Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)-like lesion induced by uracil-tegafur (UFT)

A mixture of uracil and tegafur (UFT) is a common antineoplastic agent in Japan. We report a 64-year-old Japanese woman with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)-like lesions which were induced by UFT. After surgery to treat lung cancer, UFT (300 mg/day) was administered and she developed round erythema on her right cheek. A skin biopsy specimen taken from the right cheek site revealed atrophy of the epidermis, a slight liquefaction of the basal cell layer, and patchy lymphocytic infiltration in the perivascular and perifollicular regions. A test for antinuclear antibody was weakly positive (80 fold), and rheumatoid factor was slightly elevated (7.6 IU/ml), After discontinuation of UFT, the erythema completely regressed within 2 months. We reviewed 17 cases of DLE-like lesions induced by fluorouracil agents and summarized the common features.