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Brian Patrick O'Donnell, MD; Nancy A. Dawson, MD; Raymond B. Weiss, MD; Charles E. Myers, MD; William D. James, MD

Arch Dermatol. 1992;128(1):75-79.

Abstract
Background and Design.—
Suramin sodium, a polysulfonated naphthylurea, has been used for more than 70 years as a chemotherapeutic agent for a variety of diseases. In a phase II trial of suramin, 20 patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma refractory to hormonal manipulation were evaluated retrospectively for evidence of skin toxicity.

Results.—
Three types of skin reaction were noted: generalized, erythematous, maculopapular eruption (10 patients); keratoacanthoma (two patients); and disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (one patient). A total of 15 episodes of some form of skin reaction occurred in 13 patients. The maculopapular eruptions resolved in 3 to 5 days despite continued treatment wtih suramin.

Conclusions.—
Cutaneous toxicity was a frequent and, often, self-limited side effect of suramin therapy, occurring in 13 (65%) patients. Keratoacanthoma and disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis have not previously been reported to occur with suramin therapy. The immunosuppressive effect of suramin may induce the keratoacanthoma and disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis lesions.

(Arch Dermatol. 1992;128:75-79)

Author Affiliations
From the Dermatology Service (Dr O'Donnell and James), the Hematology-Oncology Service (Dr Dawson), and the Section of Medical Oncology (Dr Weiss), Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, and the Clinical Oncology Program, Division of Cancer Treatment, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md (Dr Myers).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication September 10, 1991.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Reprint requests to Section of Medical Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001 (Dr Weiss).

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