Skin Toxicity Due to Mercaptopurine in Maintenance Therapy Among Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2023 May 1;45(4):e514-e517. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002667. Epub 2023 Mar 24.

Abstract

Mercaptopurine is a crucial component in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is associated with toxicities that can delay treatment. Mercaptopurine is metabolized into 6-thioguanine nucleotides and 6-methylomercaptopurine nucleotides (6MMPN). Accumulation of 6MMPN has previously been associated with hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and hypoglycemia. However, skin toxicity has rarely been reported. We report 5 cases of elevated 6MMPN levels associated with cutaneous manifestations.

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / metabolism
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mercaptopurine / metabolism
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases*
  • Thioguanine / adverse effects

Substances

  • Mercaptopurine
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Thioguanine