Trastuzumab induced maculopapular skin reactions localized on the left forearm and arm: A case report

Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of the HER-2 protein, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, improves the outcome of women with early and metastatic breast cancer. Adverse events including cardiac dysfunction and infusion reactions may develop during trastuzumab therapy. However, skin toxicities are infrequent. We described a 57-year-old woman who was treated with trastuzumab for metastatic breast cancer. Due to the peripheral vein problems experienced by the patient, an implanted central venous access port was placed for the trastuzumab treatment by accessing the left subclavian vein with the distal tip in the mid-superior vena cava. The unusual finding appearing after trastuzumab treatment was the maculopapular rash, which was limited to the left arm and forearm. The patient underwent skin biopsy and pathological examination of specimen showed fixed drug eruptions. We reported this case because drug eruptions due to the trastuzumab treatment are rare and the lesion was only localized to the left arm and forearm of the mastectomy side and port catheter. Copyright © 2009 by Türkiye Klinikleri.