Scrotal Edema Associated with the Use of Dasatinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Dasatinib is a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) resistant or intolerant to imatinib. Dasatinib can cause fluid retention in some patients, leading to peripheral edema and pleural effusion. Herein, we report 2 patients with chronic phase CML who developed significant scrotal and penile edema while on treatment with dasatinib. In both patients, transient dasatinib interruption and use of diuretics helped alleviate the symptoms. Both patients had the dose schedule of dasatinib switched to once daily from twice daily. Scrotal and penile edemas are unusual manifestations of fluid retention that, to our knowledge, have not been reported in patients treated with dasatinib. Recognition of these symptoms as a potential complication of dasatinib will help prevent unnecessary investigations, facilitate adequate management, and help alleviate patient anxiety.