Two cases of acneiform eruption induced by inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor.
BACKGROUND
Cetuximab is a member of a new family of antineoplastic agents that inhibit the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and which are increasingly being used in the treatment of solid tumors.


METHODS
We have observed new secondary side effects. We present here 2 patients with acneiform eruption secondary to the administration of cetuximab (IMC-C225, Erbitux). The diagnoses of these patients were adenocarcinoma.


RESULTS
Histologically, a superficial purulent folliculitis and disordered differentiation with focal parakeratosis were observed. The follicular eruption responded favorably to treatment with 5% benzoyl peroxide and 4% erythromycin gel. These lesions healed within a few days after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The cutaneous adverse effects of cetuximab are similar to other EGF-R-targeted agents and result from direct interference with the functions of EGF-R signaling in the skin.
Gencoglan
G
G
Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey. gencoglan75@hotmail.com
Ceylan
C
C
D017486:Acneiform Eruptions / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000068818:Cetuximab; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D012811:Sigmoid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab