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Erlotinib-induced scalp perifolliculitis
Efstathios Rallis1, Vesna Petronic-Rosic, Chrysovalantis Korfitis
1Department of Dermatology, Veterans Administration Hospital (NIMTS), Athens, Greece. efrall@otenet.gr
Skinmed
|May 2, 2012
Summary
Erlotinib, a cancer drug, can cause a rare scalp condition called perifolliculitis. This study details two cases, showing doxycycline effectively treated this unique erlotinib side effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for metastatic cancers.
- Common side effects include dermatitis and diarrhea.
- Severe scalp perifolliculitis is a previously unreported adverse reaction to erlotinib.
Observation:
- Two patients treated with erlotinib for metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma developed severe scalp perifolliculitis.
- Symptoms included pustules and thick, crusted plaques on the scalp.
- Skin biopsies showed perifollicular inflammation with lymphocytes and neutrophils.
Findings:
- Erlotinib-induced severe scalp perifolliculitis is a unique adverse reaction.
- Oral doxycycline treatment led to complete resolution of symptoms within 2-3 weeks.
- Patients tolerated continued erlotinib treatment without recurrence after doxycycline therapy.
Implications:
- Highlights a novel skin manifestation of erlotinib therapy.
- Suggests doxycycline as an effective treatment for erlotinib-induced scalp perifolliculitis.
- Informs clinicians about managing this specific erlotinib-related dermatological adverse event.
