Tamoxifen-related porphyria cutanea tarda

Med Oncol. 2002;19(2):121-3. doi: 10.1385/MO:19:2:121.

Abstract

We report a case of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) in a patient with breast cancer following adjuvant tamoxifen. Cessation of tamoxifen resulted in a prompt decline in urinary porphyrins suggestive of a causative role. Tamoxifen is known to be hepatotoxic; however, its association with PCT is unclear. In this report, we discuss the porphyrinogenicity of tamoxifen and potential mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / chemically induced*
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / physiopathology
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Tamoxifen