LICHENOID DRUG ERUPTION INDUCED BY IMATINIB MESYLATE

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is an anticancer drug. Cutaneous reactions to IM have been reported to occur in varying number of patients in different case series. Non-lichenoid cutaneous reactions due to IM are the commonest non-hematologic adverse reactions associated with its use. Lichenoid drug eruption (LDE), also called drug-induced lichen planus, is an uncommon cutaneous adverse effect of IM. We report here a 52- year-old woman who presented with generalised lichen planus-like lesions due to the use of Imatinib mesylate for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The skin lesions improved after discontinuation of Imatinib mesylate but re-administration of the drug at a lower dose provoked a mild recurrence. She could, however, continue to take the drug in same dose and her skin lesions were well-controlled by oral antihistaminic and topical corticosteroid treatment.