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Sunitinib Side Effects — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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HardImmunotherapy & Targeted TherapySunitinib Side EffectsSCE Medical Oncology

A 65-year-old man on sunitinib for metastatic GIST develops a yellow discoloration of his skin. His bilirubin and liver function tests are normal. What is the cause?

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Correct answer: DBenign sunitinib pigmentation from its yellow active compound

Sunitinib and its active metabolite are yellow and can cause benign skin discolouration when bilirubin and liver tests are normal. Conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia caused by sunitinib-related cholestatic injury: normal bilirubin and liver tests argue strongly against jaundice from cholestasis. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia caused by sunitinib-related immune haemolysis: haemolysis would raise bilirubin and produce anaemia or haemolytic markers. Cutaneous carotenaemia caused by treatment-related hypothyroidism: carotenaemia has a different distribution and is not the characteristic sunitinib colour effect. Diffuse haemosiderin deposition caused by repeated transfusion exposure: iron deposition develops in a different exposure setting and is not bright yellow.

Reference: SUTENT UK summary of product characteristics (Current UK SmPC, accessed July 2026): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7968/smpc