Pancytopenia, rash and fever caused by diethylstilbestrol used for prostate cancer

J Rheumatol. 1989 Mar;16(3):408-9.

Abstract

Pancytopenia, rash, and fever developed in a 66-year-old man being treated for metastatic prostate cancer with diethylstilbestrol (DES). Only the withdrawal of DES resulted in the prompt resolution of symptoms, signs, and laboratory manifestations. Both immunologic and endocrinologic mechanisms are implicated and must be considered by physicians using DES for the palliative management of prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Aged
  • Diethylstilbestrol / adverse effects*
  • Fever / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Urticaria / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Diethylstilbestrol