HYDROXYUREA DERMOPATHY - A UNIQUE LICHENOID ERUPTION COMPLICATING LONG-TERM THERAPY WITH HYDROXYUREA

Background: Hydroxyurea is usually a well, tolerated antitumor agent. Objective: Our purpose was to describe a distinct clinical and histolo gic eruption in patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea therapy. Meth ods: The clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic features of six pa tients with hydroxyurea dermopathy are described. Results: Three women and three men were identified. The average age was 61 years. Hydroxyu rea had been used for an average of 5 years. Lichenoid papules, telang iectasia, and poikilodermatous lesions on the dorsal hands and digits were the most common findings. Interface dermatitis, focal lichenoid r eaction with epidermal atrophy, and Civatte bodies were the most commo n histologic findings. Endothelial swelling also was noted. Cytoid sta ining with multiple conjugates was the most common immunopathologic fi nding. Four patients showed significant improvement after discontinuat ion of hydroxyurea. Conclusion: A distinct cutaneous reaction to long- term administration of hydroxyurea has been characterized. Cessation o f treatment is necessary for healing or improvement. We have designate d this eruption hydroxurea dermopathy.