[Multiple skin cancers in a patient treated with hydroxyurea].

A 62-year-old patient treated for 9 years with hydroxyurea for chronic myeloproliferative disease developed multiple cutaneous neoplasms. Hydroxyurea minimizes DNA synthesis via inhibition of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and is used to treat hematological malignancies. The most important and severe side-effect is a dose-dependent myelodepression. An association with multiple skin tumors has been reported. The presented case emphasizes this potential risk of hydroxyurea therapy. Continuous dermatologic monitoring of patients treated with hydroxyurea is recommended.