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Published on: June 30, 2017
Trichomegaly induced by erlotinib
Rebecca Papadopoulos1, Vasiliki Chasapi, Alexandre Bachariou
1Department of Ophthalmology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece. ommation@yahoo.gr
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Erlotinib is a chemotherapy drug for lung cancer. A rare side effect observed was excessive eyelash growth, known as trichomegaly.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Erlotinib is a targeted therapy drug used for non-small cell lung cancer.
- It functions as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing erlotinib treatment developed trichomegaly.
- Trichomegaly is characterized by abnormally excessive eyelash growth.
Findings:
- This case highlights trichomegaly as a rare ocular side effect of erlotinib.
- The excessive eyelash growth is linked to the mechanism of action of erlotinib.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of potential ocular side effects with erlotinib.
- Monitoring for trichomegaly may be necessary in patients receiving this chemotherapy agent.
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