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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
Treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced acneiform eruption with topical recombinant human
1Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been used as anticancer agents for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Related skin toxicities are the most common adverse effects and occur with all EGFR inhibitors. Several treatment approaches, such as antiseptic soaps, topical and oral antibiotics, and topical and oral corticosteroids, have been reported; however, the responses have been varied. Acneiform eruption induced by EGFR inhibitor treatment results from disturbed normal keratinocyte and hair follicle biology and may therefore benefit from local restoration of EGF pathway.
Observations:
We treated HaCaT cells with EGFR inhibitor and evaluated the expression of EGFR. After treatment of cells with EGFR inhibitor, EGFR expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner. We hypothesized that newly synthesized EGFR, not inhibited by EGFR inhibitors, may perform their biological action in keratinocytes in the presence of additional EGF. In this study, we therefore treated acneiform eruption patients with topical recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) with institutional review board approval. Here, we report three cases of such eruptions who responded to topical rhEGF.
Conclusion:
Topical rhEGF may be an effective treatment option for EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruption.
Insights
Topical recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) effectively treated acneiform eruptions caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. This approach may offer a new therapeutic option for managing this common side effect in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are vital anticancer agents for solid tumors.
- Skin toxicities, particularly acneiform eruptions, are common adverse effects of EGFR inhibitors.
- Current treatments for EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruptions yield varied responses.
Observation:
- EGFR inhibitor treatment increased EGFR expression in HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- Newly synthesized EGFR may mediate biological actions in keratinocytes despite inhibitor presence.
- Acneiform eruptions result from disturbed keratinocyte and hair follicle biology.
Findings:
- Three patients with EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruption showed positive responses to topical recombinant human EGF (rhEGF).
- Topical rhEGF application was investigated as a treatment for EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruption.
- EGFR expression was evaluated in HaCaT cells post-EGFR inhibitor treatment.
Implications:
- Topical rhEGF presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruptions.
- Restoring the EGF pathway locally may benefit patients experiencing this specific side effect.
- Further research into rhEGF for managing EGFR inhibitor-related dermatologic toxicities is warranted.
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