Radiation recall dermatitis induced by trastuzumab

Breast Cancer. 2016 Jan;23(1):159-163. doi: 10.1007/s12282-013-0462-6. Epub 2013 Mar 31.

Abstract

We report a case of radiation recall dermatitis caused by trastuzumab. A 55-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer received palliative first-line trastuzumab/paclitaxel and a salvage partial mastectomy with lymph node dissection was subsequently performed. In spite of the palliative setting, the pathology report indicated that no residual carcinoma was present, and then she underwent locoregional radiotherapy to ensure a definitive response. After radiotherapy, she has maintained trastuzumab monotherapy. Nine days after the fifth cycle of trastuzumab monotherapy, dermatitis in previously irradiated skin developed, with fever. Radiation recall dermatitis triggered by trastuzumab is extremely rare. A high fever developed abruptly with a skin rash. This may be the first case of this sort to be reported.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Radiation recall dermatitis; Trastuzumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiodermatitis / chemically induced*
  • Trastuzumab / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab