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Chinese Medicine Treatment for Afatinib-Induced Paronychia
Pei-Yuu Yang1, Chen-Jei Tai1,2
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Afatinib (Gilotrif™) is widely used to treat patients with mutant activating epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFR-) dependent lung adenocarcinoma; however, it has various adverse side effects. Here, we report a patient with afatinib-induced paronychia. After Chinese medicine treatment with the well-known anticancer Chinese herbs, Jen-Ren-Hwo-Minq-Saan, and decoction of Ban-Zhi-Lian (Scutellaria barbata) with Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd), patient's condition was significantly improved. This shows that these Chinese medicines can not only be used in cancer treatment but also be used in the afatinib-induced paronychia.
Insights
Afatinib, used for EGFR-mutant lung cancer, can cause paronychia. Chinese herbal medicine, including Jen-Ren-Hwo-Minq-Saan and Ban-Zhi-Lian with Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao, effectively treated this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Afatinib (Gilotrif™) is a targeted therapy for EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.
- Adverse events, such as paronychia, can limit afatinib treatment efficacy.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential complementary treatments for cancer therapy side effects.
Observation:
- A case of afatinib-induced paronychia in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma is presented.
- The patient developed paronychia as an adverse reaction to afatinib treatment.
- Conventional treatments for paronychia were not detailed, highlighting the need for alternative approaches.
Findings:
- Treatment with Chinese herbal medicine, specifically Jen-Ren-Hwo-Minq-Saan and a decoction of Ban-Zhi-Lian (Scutellaria barbata) with Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Hedyotis diffusa Willd), led to significant improvement.
- The herbal regimen demonstrated efficacy in resolving afatinib-induced paronychia.
- This suggests a potential role for these specific Chinese herbs in managing this adverse event.
Implications:
- Chinese herbal medicine shows promise not only for cancer treatment but also for managing afatinib-induced side effects like paronychia.
- This case report supports the integration of traditional Chinese medicine with conventional oncology care.
- Further research is warranted to validate the efficacy and safety of these herbal formulations for managing drug-induced toxicities in cancer patients.
