Imatinib mesylate-induced repigmentation of vitiligo lesions in a patient with recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Nov;59(5 Suppl):S80-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.06.029.

Abstract

We report a case of vitiligo with localized repigmentation induced by imatinib mesylate. An elderly Chinese man has been characterized with recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors originated from interstitial cells of Cajal with gain-of-function c-kit mutation. His recurrent tumors have responded to imatinib mesylate therapy. To our surprise, his decade-long vitiligo was dramatically ameliorated by localized repigmentation, which is considered to be the side effect of imatinib mesylate. Hypopigmentation induced by imatinib mesylate with possible molecular blockage to a melanin-dependent KIT signal has been well documented; however, our case with repigmentation suggested that KIT signal of melanin formation would be much more sophisticated than we have believed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Benzamides
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / drug therapy*
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Male
  • Melanins / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / genetics
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Vitiligo / complications
  • Vitiligo / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Benzamides
  • Melanins
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit