Cetuximab-induced acne.
BACKGROUND
Cetuximab is a member of a new family of antineoplastic agents that inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These molecules may induce acneiform eruptions. In this study, we aimed at evaluating (a) the characteristics of acne and (b) whether these acneiform eruptions could be improved by classical anti-acne treatments.


METHODS
All patients treated with cetuximab in a single institution from October 2003 to May 2004 were prospectively evaluated. The presence of acne, its severity, need for a treatment and response to this treatment were recorded.


RESULTS
13 patients were included: 11 (85%) developed acneiform eruptions after a mean interval of 10 days. It was severe in 4/13 (31%). Comedones were never found and acne involved nonclassical sites in 3/11. Antibiotic treatment was given to 4 and local treatment to 2 patients: it was always efficient.


CONCLUSIONS
Cetuximab-induced acne is frequent, differs from classical acne and may be treated effectively with classical modalities.
Molinari
Emmanuel
E
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France. emolinari@noos.fr
De Quatrebarbes
Julie
J
André
Thierry
T
Aractingi
Sélim
S
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D017486:Acneiform Eruptions / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068818:Cetuximab; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005672:Fusidic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005672:Fusidic Acid; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D004318:Doxycycline; D000068818:Cetuximab; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide