Cutaneous Toxicity in Oncologic Patients Receiving Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors

In recent years, oncology studies have focused on molecular targeted therapy, based on the development of numerous agents with a role in inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). When overexpressed, EGFR plays an extremely important role in the growth of certain tumour cells. Compared to classical chemotherapy, the systemic adverse effects of the molecular targeted therapy are much lower. However, between 80 to 100% of the patients treated with EGFR inhibitors develop a separate class of adverse effects, namely skin reactions.

Early identification of skin toxicity, dynamic monitoring of patients during EGFRI treatment, correlation of clinical data and their management.

We conducted a prospective study from 2018 to 2021 on patients who had received any EGFRI from all over Oltenia region. We were able to identify 31 oncologic patients who had received EGFRI for metastatic colorectal cancer, lung cancer or head and neck cancer. All of them were completely dermatologically examined, dynamically monitored for each oncological cycle.

The dermatological follow-up throughout the study allowed the classification of skin toxicity according to the onset of manifestations after EGFRI treatment, the reporting of serious adverse effects and their management. Within the study group, 29 out of the 31 patients treated oncological with EGFRI therapy experienced at least one cutaneous adverse effect, the majority of which showed clinical polymorphism of lesions.

The lack of dermatological treatment often leads to dose reduction or even to the discontinuation of the cancer treatment. Severe forms were also identified and their rapid treatment allowed the continuation of the cancer therapy and increased quality of life for all patients.