Bexarotene and Sézary syndrome, efficacy and adverse effects: a case report
English version of a poster presented in French.
Hamza Goura1✉, A. Rachid1, A. Elbarrichi2, S. Ahchouch2, K. Doghmi2, S. Derraji3
- 1 Pôle Pharmacie de l’Hôpital Militaire d’Instruction Mohammed-V Rabat
- 2 Service d’Hématologie Clinique de l’Hôpital Militaire d’Instruction Mohammed-V Rabat
- 3 Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie Rabat
Received 28 September 2026 · Accepted 28 September 2026 · Published 28 September 2026 · Corrected 5 October 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23166772
Article PDF · Original poster (PDF)
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Key messages
- Le Bexarotène améliore les lésions cutanées du syndrome de Sézary.
- L’hypothyroïdie est un effet indésirable fréquent du Bexarotène nécessitant une surveillance régulière.
- L’arrêt ou l’ajustement du traitement peut normaliser la fonction thyroïdienne altérée par le Bexarotène.
Abstract
Introduction
Sézary syndrome is an aggressive form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by a clinical triad and the presence of atypical lymphocytes. Bexarotene, a retinoid, is used to regulate cell proliferation in this disease. This report presents a clinical case of a 70-year-old female patient treated with Bexarotene, describing her clinical course and observed adverse effects.
Materials and methods
A 70-year-old female patient followed for Sézary syndrome was initially treated with methotrexate and PUVA therapy. After worsening of the lesions, treatment with Bexarotene was initiated. Clinical evolution, adverse effects, and biological assessments, including thyroid function tests, were monitored. Clinical images and a biological panel were used to document the case.
Results
Following the introduction of Bexarotene, the patient showed stabilization of skin lesions and regression of erythroderma. However, she developed subclinical hypothyroidism confirmed by biological assessment. Discontinuation of Bexarotene allowed normalization of thyroid function. Similar cases of Bexarotene-induced hypothyroidism are reported in the literature.
Conclusion
Bexarotene is a treatment of choice for Sézary syndrome, improving skin lesions. However, close monitoring is necessary due to frequent adverse effects, notably hypothyroidism. Management of these effects is essential to ensure safe use of the drug in clinical practice.
Original poster
References
- Dr O. Gilly , Dr R. Guintrand , Dr V. Cosma , Dr V. Taillard ,Dr A.M. Guedj, Hypothyroïdie centrale et rétinoïdes à propos de 3 cas, SFE Poitiers 2017 / Annales d’Endocrinologie 78 (2017) 326–352
- https://cymitquimica.com/fr/produits/3B-B4798/153559-49-0/bexarotene
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/targretin-epar-product-information_fr.pdf
