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Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors: Cutaneous Side Effects and Their Management

S Monjazeb1, J Wilson1

  • 1School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.

Skin Therapy Letter
|September 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapy drugs like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors can cause skin side effects. Understanding and managing these common cutaneous toxicities is crucial for patient care and treatment response.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapy, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, represents a novel approach to cancer treatment.
  • While often associated with fewer systemic side effects than traditional chemotherapy, these agents can cause significant adverse events.
  • EGFR is highly expressed in epithelial tissues, making the skin and hair follicles common sites for drug-induced toxicities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the common cutaneous adverse effects associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy.
  • To highlight the importance of managing these dermatological toxicities.
  • To inform clinicians about the clinical significance of skin-related side effects in patients receiving targeted anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on EGFR inhibitors and their dermatological side effects.
  • Analysis of the incidence and clinical presentation of cutaneous toxicities.
  • Discussion of management strategies for EGFR-related skin toxicities.

Main Results:

  • Cutaneous side effects are a frequent occurrence in patients treated with EGFR inhibitors.
  • These side effects can range in severity and impact patient quality of life.
  • In some cases, the development of cutaneous toxicities may correlate with a positive therapeutic response.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must be knowledgeable about the spectrum of skin toxicities caused by EGFR inhibitors.
  • Effective management of cutaneous adverse effects is essential for patient well-being and treatment adherence.
  • Understanding the relationship between skin toxicities and treatment efficacy is important for optimizing cancer care.

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