Erlotinib-induced skin rash in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: pathogenesis, clinical significance, and management.
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is overexpressed in many solid malignancies, making it an appealing target for biologic agents. A number of agents that target this receptor are in use or in development. A specific adverse effect common to this class of agents is an acneiform-like skin rash that has been related to EGFR inhibition in the skin. Little is known about the etiology of this rash, and there are no clear evidence-based management recommendations. Findings suggest that there is a relationship between the development of rash and response and/or survival, making rash a potential surrogate marker of activity. This review summarizes and updates the current knowledge of the clinical presentation, etiology, and predictive and prognostic value of erlotinib-induced skin rash and establishes a treatment strategy to help treat dermatologic adverse events and allow patients to continue therapy without dose interruption or drug discontinuation.
Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, Athens Medical School, Sotiria General Hospital, Greece.
Sotirios
S
Tsimboukis
Irene
I
Merikas
Eleni M
EM
Karapanagiotou
Muhammad Wasif
MW
Saif
Kostas N
KN
Syrigos
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects*
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors