Paradoxical exacerbation of chronic plaque psoriasis by sorafenib

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2016 Jun;41(4):407-9. doi: 10.1111/ced.12788. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists have been investigated as a potential treatment for psoriasis, but there have been reports of VEGF antagonists triggering and/or exacerbating pre-existing psoriasis. We present the case of a 61-year old-man with exacerbation of pre-existing psoriasis after treatment with sorafenib, a small molecule inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase domain of the VEGF receptor, and we review the literature for other published cases of sorafenib-induced or sorafenib-exacerbated psoriasis. Clinicians, including both dermatologists and oncologists, should be aware of this potential side-effect of sorafenib in addition to the other cutaneous side effects reported for this drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Niacinamide / adverse effects
  • Niacinamide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Niacinamide / therapeutic use
  • Phenylurea Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced*
  • Sorafenib

Substances

  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Niacinamide
  • Sorafenib