Ulceration of Striae distensae in high-grade glioma patients on concurrent systemic corticosteroid and bevacizumab therapy

Abstract

Striae distensae (stretch marks) are a common complication seen in patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy. Under certain circumstances, primary brain tumor patients require chronic corticosteroid therapy and can suffer from striae distensae. Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is now more widely used for the treatment of primary brain tumors. In this paper, we present four cases of ulcerated striae distensae in primary brain tumor patients on concurrent corticosteroid and bevacizumab therapy. Because of bevacizumab's effects on wound healing and its recent accelerated approval for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults, this novel skin complication should be considered in patients on concurrent corticosteroid and bevacizumab therapy.