Background: Hypopigmentation is an infrequently reported adverse effect of imatinib mesylate (IM) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but there are no reports from Arab or Saudi patients. Thus, we assessed the frequency and impact of hypopigmentation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) taking IM in our institution in Riyadh.
Patients and methods: We studied 24 adult CML patients taking IM and followed from March to June 2008. Telephonic interviews with all the CML patients taking IM were conducted and case notes were reviewed. Findings were confirmed on a subsequent clinic visit by a physician. Demographic features, disease status, response to IM, presence and severity of skin changes and impact of these changes on the patients and the disease were noted.
Results: Eight (33%) patients (6 males, 2 females) developed hypopigmentation due to IM. All patients had newly diagnosed, chronic phase CML and received 400 mg IM daily. The median age of the affected group was 37 years (range 18-54 years). Hypopigmentation developed during the first 3 months of treatment in 5 patients and 6 months or later in 3 patients. It was generalized in 7 patients and involved the hands and face in one patient. No photosensitivity was reported and none had other significant side effects.
Conclusion: Hypopigmentation of the skin can develop in about one third of CML patients taking IM. Physicians taking care of CML patients should be aware of this and patients need to be warned before commencing IM, particularly in dark-skinned patients.