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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
Published on: May 9, 2025
Two cases of acneiform eruption induced by inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor
1Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey. gencoglan75@hotmail.com
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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