Reporting on Adverse Clinical Events

Abstract

A 77-year-old male patient developed vitiligo on the arms and right leg approximately 2 years after the initiation of venetoclax (400 mg daily) for the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Previous therapy included ibrutinib (420 mg daily), which was discontinued due to the development of secondary systolic heart failure. Concurrent medications were not noted in the report. Initially, when venetoclax was started, the patient developed mild and self-limiting gastrointestinal side effects (eg, diarrhea and fatigue) that did not interfere with the continuation of therapy. After the development of vitiligo, venetoclax was suspected but therapy was continued; the patient was advised to use camouflage cosmetics and sunscreen. However, the vitiligo worsened, with new lesions developing 2 months later. Upon follow-up, the lesions have stabilized and the patient continues to respond to venetoclax therapy. The authors concluded that this patient developed vitiligo related to venetoclax therapy and noted that this is only the second published case report. Venetoclax [Venclexta] Abdeen M et al (Urwat Til Vusqa: Department of Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, 320 E North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; e-mail: vusqa.urwat@ahn.org) Venetoclax-induced vitiligo in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Anticancer Drugs 33:1167–1170 (Nov) 2022