Case Report

Yellow Skin Discoloration Associated with Sorafenib Use for Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Authors: Constantin A. Dasanu, MD, PhD, Janice Dutcher, MD, Doru T. Alexandrescu, MD

Abstract

This report describes a patient with metastatic kidney cancer who developed a deep yellow skin discoloration while on therapy with the oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), sorafenib. A significant hand-foot syndrome, featuring acral skin desquamation and tender erythema at pressure points, was also present. A thorough clinicolaboratory investigation did not reveal any evidence of jaundice, B12 deficiency, anemia, carotenemia, hypothyroidism, or any other disorder of endocrine or metabolic etiology.


Key Points


* Yellow skin discoloration represents a probable side effect of sorafenib.


* With increasing use of multitargeted TKIs in the setting of various malignancies, physicians should be aware of this new entity.


* The awareness of sorafenib- and sunitinib-induced yellow skin discoloration is important for patient reassurance and avoidance of unnecessary diagnostic workup.

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