Pemetrexed-induced scleroderma-like lesions in a lung cancer patient

Abstract

Pemetrexed is a multi-targeted folate antagonist drug approved for the treatment of advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and malignant pleural mesothelioma, and is known to induce cutaneous adverse reactions in approximately 20% of patients. We report a case of an uncommon toxicity induced by pemetrexed: scleroderma-like condition of the lower extremities. This cutaneous adverse effect is often unrecognized, resulting in delayed diagnosis, which often leads to a worsening in the condition and increasing the risk of further fibrosing sequelae.