Cutaneous side effects associated with sunitinib: an analysis of 8 cases

Objective Sunitinib is an antineoplastic agent, specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thanks to its targeted action, this drug is relatively well tolerated. The main side effects are asthenia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dermatological effects. The aim of our study was to collect information about dermatological side effects and assess them in patients treated with sunitinib. Method A retrospective study was performed on 8 patients treated with sunitinib between January 2006 and July 2009. Results Twelve different types of side effects were observed: genital lesion (9), cutaneous eruption (7), hand-foot syndrome (6), yellow discoloration of skin (4), hair depigmentation (4), xerosis (4), pigmented lesion (4), vascular lesion (3), erythema (3), splinter haemorrhage of fingernails (1), facial oedema (1), and pruritus (1). To date vascular and pigmented lesions associated with sunitinib have not been recorded in literature, genital lesions have only been described in the scrotal region. These genital lesions led to discontinuation of treatment by 4 patients in our study. Conclusion Although the risk/benefit ratio is favourable for sunitinib, all health care professionals must be aware of the risk of such adverse events. When genital lesions are observed, dose adjustment is recommended. Thorough clinical examination and patient interviews are necessary to detect these effects.