[Henoch-schönlein purpura induced by erlotinib (Tarceva): a case report].

Abstract

Erlotinib is a newly developed molecular-targeting or molecular-targeted drug with selective inhibitory activity for tyrosine kinase of the epidermal growth factor receptor. A adverse drug reactions including diarrhea, skin eruptions are considered mild. We report a case of recurrent adenocarcinoma of the lung in a 68-year-old woman who suffered from Henoch-Schönlein purpura induced by erlotinib. She received daily administration of erlotinib 150 mg as second-line chemotherapy. Her tumors decreased in size and pleural effusion disappeared, so we considered erlotinib effective. However after 3 months of treatment with erlotinib, the patient presented palpable purpuric lesions mostly located on her lower legs. We diagnosed Henoch-Schönlein purpura based on skin histological findings. Erlotinib was reduced but continued, with improvement of the eruptions. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is often accompanied by systemic manifestations, such as renal disease and arthritis, so more careful follow-up is warranted.