Common side effects of anti-EGFR therapy: acneform rash.
OBJECTIVE
To review the general toxicity profile of EGFR-targeted therapies and the management of the most common side effect, skin toxicity.


METHODS
Research articles.


CONCLUSIONS
The most common side effect of anti-EGFR therapy is skin toxicity, which is generally mild to moderate, but may be severe in up to 18% of patients. Appearance of more severe rash has been correlated with better treatment outcomes. Skin toxicity is generally manageable with standard topical or systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents. Rash does not warrant treatment discontinuation; however, when using TKIs, the combination of rash and severe diarrhea may require treatment cessation.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients and nurses need to be well informed about the expected side effects of anti-EGFR therapy and appropriate management techniques. Patient education prior to beginning therapy and proactive intervention at the first signs of skin toxicity are key to successful management.
Sipples
Rebecca
R
Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. rebecca.sipples@yale.edu
D017486:Acneiform Eruptions / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000068818:Cetuximab; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab; D000077156:Gefitinib