title: Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in solid tumors: focus on safety.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inhibition of the EGFR has emerged as a promising anticancer strategy, offering improved efficacy and quality of life for patients affected by tumors. The overall level of toxicity associated with EGFR inhibitors is low compared to other chemotherapy drugs, although they are commonly associated with skin and gastrointestinal adverse events. Thus, patients' quality of life may be considerably affected both by a physical and a psychosocial perspective. Adverse events that lead to treatment interruption or cessation may significantly compromise their outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review summarizes the characteristics of the distinctive toxicities of drugs targeting EGFR, addressing their incidence, pathophysiology and clinical presentation with a focus on the management of skin rash and other relevant adverse events, according to the available clinical evidence. Data regarding the correlation between the development of skin rash and clinical outcome are also reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Drugs targeting EGFR are associated with a lower overall incidence of systemic side effects compared to standard chemotherapeutic agents; nevertheless, an increased risk of distinct toxicities that may affect patient's quality of life and anticancer treatment compliance is observed. Thus, clinical training projects directed toward a more accurate knowledge of such adverse events are essential to maximize the progress of targeted therapies against cancer.
authors.affiliation: University of Verona, 'Policlinico Rossi' University Hospital, Medical Oncology , Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona , Italy +390458128502 ; +390458027410 ; giampaolo.tortora@univr.it.
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lucchini
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pilotto
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spada
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Melisi
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bria
authors.forename: Giampaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tortora
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000453:epidemiology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors