Leprosy: type 1 reaction precipitated by doxorubicin and cisplatin

Type 1 reaction (T1R) in leprosy is common and characterized by increased inflammation in skin lesions or nerve. Besides antileprotic therapy, T1Rs are associated with intercurrent infection, pregnancy and drugs. Also, T1Rs may be a presenting feature of leprosy. We report a case of T1R in leprosy presenting as drug reaction during cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin. We propose to explain this unusual occurrence by highlighting the increased production and expression of TNF-α by these drugs. Thus, physicians using these drugs should keep this unusual adverse effect in mind.