Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
11:39

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Published on: July 11, 2013

[Cutaneous side effects of EGFR inhibitors--appearance and management]

A Wollenberg1, J Kroth, A Hauschild

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München. wollenberg@lrz.uni-muenchen.de

Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors treat various cancers but cause skin side effects. Managing these cutaneous toxicities is crucial for patient adherence and well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are vital in treating advanced cancers like colorectal carcinoma, NSCLC, SCCHN, and pancreatic cancer.
  • Cutaneous side effects, primarily acneiform rash (30-90% incidence), are common and can impact treatment adherence and patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the occurrence of skin toxicities associated with EGFR inhibitors.
  • To outline the latest treatment strategies for managing these common cutaneous side effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on EGFR inhibitor-induced skin reactions.
  • Analysis of treatment protocols for acneiform eruptions, paronychia, and other dermatological adverse events.
  • Emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient care.

Main Results:

  • Acneiform rash is the most frequent side effect, with incidence varying by EGFR inhibitor.
  • Treatment strategies include topical/systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, sometimes combined with topical steroids.
  • Other potential side effects include sebostatic reactions, paronychia, and hair structure changes, requiring individualized management.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of EGFR inhibitor-induced cutaneous side effects is essential for maintaining therapeutic efficacy and improving patient outcomes.
  • A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, radiotherapists, and dermatologists ensures comprehensive patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells01:12

Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells

The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...