Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Apr;40(4):433-436.

A Case of Hydroxyurea-Induced Cutaneous Ulceration and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Yun SJ
• Lee JB
• Kim SJ
• Lee SC
• Won YH

Abstract

Hydroxyurea, one of conventional chemotherapies in chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML) and polycythemia vera, inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the de novo synthesis of deoxynucleotide triphosphates required for DNA synthesis. Various cutaneous side effects due to hydroxyurea have been reported as follows; alopecia, diffuse hyperpigmentation, scaling, poikiloderma, atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, nail changes with multiple pigmented nail bands or brittleness, erythema and scaling of acral sites simulating chronic dermatomyositis, lichen planus-like lesions, or skin tumors on the UV-light exposed areas.A 72-year-old woman, receiving hydroxyurea for CML during 5 years, revealed hydroxyurea dermopathy such as scaly papules, poikilodermatous patches, and acral ulceration, and unusually developed squamous cell carcinoma. This is a rare case of hydroxyurea dermopathy and the first case of squamous cell carcinoma by hydroxyurea in Korea.

Keyword

Hydroxyurea; CML; Ulceration; Squamous cell carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alopecia
Atrophy
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*
Dermatomyositis
DNA
Drug Therapy
Erythema
Female
Humans
Hydroxyurea
Hyperpigmentation
Korea
Lichens
Polycythemia Vera
Ribonucleotide Reductases
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
Ulcer*
DNA
Hydroxyurea
Ribonucleotide Reductases