Treatment of prurigo nodularis with lenalidomide

Dermatol Ther. 2017 Mar;30(2). doi: 10.1111/dth.12451. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Abstract

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an intensely pruriginous dermatological disorder whose treatment is challenging for dermatologists. It is characterized by eruptions of papules and hyperkeratotic nodules, some of which are eroded, on the extensor surfaces of the limbs. The most commonly used treatments for this condition are oral antihistamines and topical or systemic steroids. Thalidomide is an effective treatment option in cases of recalcitrant PN; however, its most frequent adverse effect is neurotoxicity, which often results in its discontinuation. Lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide that is more powerful and associated with less neurotoxicity than thalidomide. We report the third case of PN treated with lenalidomide, which involved a patient who was refractory to thalidomide. Lenalidomide may be a more effective treatment for PN than thalidomide and has a more favorable side effects profile than its counterpart.

Keywords: inflammatory disorders; pruritus; therapy-systemic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Lenalidomide
  • Middle Aged
  • Prurigo / diagnosis
  • Prurigo / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Thalidomide
  • Lenalidomide