Photosensitivity reaction to vinblastine.

A photosensitivity reaction to vinblastine sulfate occurred in a patient receiving chemotherapy for Hodgkin disease. Ultraviolet light (UVL) testing revealed a decreased minimal erythema dose (MED), which returned to normal following discontinuation of the drug. Photoreactions to intradermal injections of vinblastine were produced in the patient and in five normal controls with a suberythema dose of UVL. Spectrophotometric studies confirmed absorption of vinblastine sulfate in the sunburn range. The clinical lesions and phototests could not be reproduced through window glass or aminobenzoic acid as sunscreens.