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The Dark Side of Gefitinib: Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Applied to Hair Hyperpigmentation

Terenzio Cosio1, Sara Mazzilli1, Luca Bianchi1

  • 1Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Skin Appendage Disorders
|February 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Gefitinib, a lung cancer drug, can cause skin issues. This report details a rare case of hair and eyebrow hyperpigmentation, a side effect not previously documented with this medication.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can cause skin side effects, known as PRIDE Complex.
  • PRIDE Complex includes papulo-pustular rash, paronychia, hair abnormalities, itching, and dryness.

Observation:

  • A case study of a patient treated with gefitinib is presented.
  • The patient developed hyperpigmentation of hair and eyebrows after 7 months of gefitinib treatment.
  • This specific side effect was observed over a prolonged treatment period.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of hair and eyebrow hyperpigmentation associated with gefitinib treatment.
  • No previous literature documented rapid hair pigmentation from multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
  • The study highlights an unusual dermatological manifestation of gefitinib therapy.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the known side effect profile of gefitinib.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind gefitinib-induced hair hyperpigmentation.
  • Clinicians should be aware of this potential, albeit rare, side effect in patients undergoing gefitinib treatment.
Keywords:
GefitinibHair hyperpigmentationPRIDE complexReflectance confocal microscopyoct4

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