TLDR Vemurafenib can cause scalp issues but can be managed without changing the dose.
This case report described a patient who developed pityriasis amiantacea (PA), a scaling reaction of the scalp that can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss, two months after starting vemurafenib therapy for BRAF-positive metastatic melanoma. This adverse effect had not been previously reported in the literature. The PA was managed with symptomatic treatment, and there was no need to alter the vemurafenib dosage.
149 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Targeted cancer therapies often cause skin side effects, needing dermatologist care.
1 citations,
September 2023 in “Rheumatology advances in practice” A woman's rare scalp condition worsened after using a specific arthritis medication, suggesting such medications can sometimes trigger or aggravate psoriasis.
6 citations,
April 1985 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” The cause of the syndrome with scalp scaling and hair loss is unknown.
6 citations,
August 1991 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America” The document concludes that various hair and scalp disorders in children have specific treatments and proper diagnosis is essential.
13 citations,
December 2012 in “Medical mycology case reports” Misdiagnosis led to permanent hair loss, stressing the need for proper scalp tests.
1 citations,
April 2022 in “JAAD case reports” A woman with IgG/IgA pemphigus was treated successfully with dapsone and steroids.
