Erlotinib-induced episcleritis in a patient with pancreatic cancer.
BACKGROUND
Erlotinib is a relatively new anilinoquinazoline indicated for treatment of pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine. It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is commonly overexpressed and/or mutated in solid tumors. Active competitive inhibition of adenosine triphosphate, inhibits downstream signal transduction of ligand dependent EGFR activation. EGFR kinase inhibitors are less toxic than conventional chemotherapy as they are relatively specific for tumor cells. Common side effects include acneiform (papulopustular) rash, diarrhea, edema, pruritus, dry skin and alopecia.


METHODS
This article reports the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian female with recurrent pancreatic cancer who developed episcleritis after seventeen days of treatment with erlotinib. Symptoms completely resolved four weeks after drug discontinuation.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, erlotinib-induced episcleritis has not been previously described.
Shahrokni
Armin
A
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Matuszczak
Justyna
J
Rajebi
Mohammad Reza
MR
Saif
Muhammad Wasif
MW
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015423:Scleritis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride