A Rare Case of Pertuzumab-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Abstract

Pertuzumab is a targeted therapy drug that is employed in the management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer and works by blocking the ability of cancer cells to receive growth and proliferation signals. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe cutaneous manifestation characterized by widespread erythema, necrosis, and bullous detachment of the skin involving more than 10% of the body surface area (BSA) and may be precipitated by an immunologic response to the administration of certain medications. However, TEN development as a consequence of HER2 inhibitor therapy has not been described in the existing literature. A 44-year-old female with a history of metastatic breast cancer to the liver presented with a diffuse blistering rash following a first-time administration of pertuzumab three days prior. Her rash began as painful and pruritic blisters 12 hours after the last infusion of pertuzumab and progressed to involve her arms, chest, groin, and thighs with a positive Nikolsky sign. She was managed supportively with high-dose steroids and antihistamines, and although her hospital course was complicated by hypotension requiring pressor support, she gradually made a full recovery and was released to a rehabilitation facility.