Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
Drug-Induced Senescence in Liver Cells Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization: Implications for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hepatotoxicity
Published on: October 17, 2025
Gefitinib-induced hair alterations
Song Zheng1, Yue-Long Pan, Jiao-Li Wang
1Department of Oncology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
Abstract:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for anticancer therapy. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors are generally well tolerated and do not have the severe systemic side-effects usually seen with cytotoxic drugs. A specific adverse effect common to this class of agent is a papulopustular rash, usually on the face and upper torso. During prolonged treatment with EGFR inhibitors, changes of the hairs can be noticed. This report describes a rare case of a non-small-cell lung cancer with hair changes after several months of treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. The patient's scalp hair grew more slowly and adopted a finer, more brittle and curly aspect. However, the eyelashes, eyebrows and hair of other parts of the face did not display similar changes. Little is known about the aetiology of this kind of hair alteration, and there are no clear evidence-based management recommendations. Histological data indicate that the hair alteration may be caused by EGFR inhibition in skin, although this has not been confirmed. Further studies are needed to investigate the reason for this phenomenon.
Insights
This case report details rare hair changes, including slower growth and altered texture, observed in a non-small-cell lung cancer patient undergoing treatment with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are a targeted anticancer therapy.
- These inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, with a common side effect being a papulopustular rash.
- Hair changes can occur during prolonged treatment with EGFR inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of hair alterations in a non-small-cell lung cancer patient treated with gefitinib.
- To describe the specific changes in scalp hair and contrast them with facial hair.
- To highlight the limited understanding and management recommendations for this adverse effect.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a non-small-cell lung cancer patient.
- Observation of hair changes after several months of gefitinib treatment.
- Clinical description of scalp hair characteristics (growth rate, texture, curl).
Main Results:
- The patient experienced slower scalp hair growth.
- Scalp hair became finer, more brittle, and curlier.
- Eyelashes, eyebrows, and other facial hair remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- EGFR inhibition may cause hair alterations, potentially due to effects on skin.
- The exact etiology of these hair changes remains unclear.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage EGFR inhibitor-induced hair alterations.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...