Ado-trastuzumab emtansine-associated telangiectasias in metastatic breast cancer: a case series

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014 Jul;146(2):451-6. doi: 10.1007/s10549-014-3001-z. Epub 2014 Jun 15.

Abstract

Treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), a novel antibody-drug conjugate, has resulted in both improved progression-free and overall survival. Recognition and treatment of diverse adverse events related to T-DM1 is critical for safety and tolerability. The most frequent adverse events with T-DM1 include fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, elevated transaminases, and mild-to-moderate hemorrhagic events, which are thought to be related to induced thrombocytopenia. Here, we present five case series of cutaneous and mucosal telangiectasias, definitely related to T-DM1. The development of telangiectasias represents a newly recognized adverse effect of T-DM1. We provide description and timing of the telangiectasias and review the mechanisms that may explain the formation of these vascular lesions in association with T-DM1. Further, we describe associated bleeding events and propose that induced telangiectasias could represent an additional cause of T-DM1-associated hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maytansine / adverse effects
  • Maytansine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Maytansine / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Skin / pathology
  • Telangiectasis / diagnosis
  • Telangiectasis / etiology*
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Maytansine
  • Trastuzumab
  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine