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Managing cutaneous side effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR) inhibitors
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Papulopustular eruptions are a common side effect of treatment with agents that target the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR). Use of these targeted therapies, which include cetuximab, erlotinib, and gefitinib, may also cause paronychial inflammation, hair changes, and xerosis, or “dry skin.” Although the etiology and pathogenesis of these cutaneous side effects are not well understood, most resolve with discontinuation of HER1/EGFR inhibitor therapy or even spontaneously. Treatment recommendations, though plentiful, are based on anecdotal information, as there have been no controlled clinical trials testing the efficacy of any specific modality. There is growing evidence that the papulopustular eruptions associated with the use of HER1/EGFR inhibitors might serve as a surrogate marker for tumor response and/or survival. This article reviews the clinical features of skin reactions to HER1/EGFR inhibitors and provides treatment recommendations for practicing dermatologists and oncologists.
| Commun Oncol 2005;2:492–496 | full text |  140 kb |