Capecitabine-Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Capecitabine is a fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used in the treatment of metastatic breast and colorectal cancers. Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DI-SCLE) is a rare side effect of capecitabine therapy, with eight cases previously reported. We report a case of DI-SCLE in a patient with a documented history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is the second documented case of DI-SCLE in a patient with a past medical history of SLE, and provides evidence that there may be an increased risk of DI-SCLE in these patients. Further research should examine whether patients with SLE are at greater risk for this adverse event.