Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer
Published on: July 21, 2018
Perifollicular Xanthoma Occurring in Patients after Erlotinib Treatment
En Hyung Kim1, Dong Min Kim2, Ji Yeoun Lee3
1Department of Dermatology, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea.
Abstract:
Erlotinib (Tarceva®) is a drug used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Since EGFR is expressed in the skin, EGFR inhibitors commonly develop cutaneous side effects such as acneiform eruption, paronychia, telangiectasias, and abnormal eyelash growth. A 56-year-old man and a 46-year-old man visited the dermatology clinic complaining of yellowish papuloplaques and acneiform eruption on the face. They had been treated with erlotinib for lung cancer. Since patients using EGFR inhibitors are increasing, physicians should be aware that xanthomatous change can occur in severe acneiform eruptions after erlotinib treatment.
Insights
Erlotinib, used for lung cancer, can cause skin issues. Physicians should recognize that severe acneiform eruptions may indicate xanthomatous changes in patients treated with this epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Erlotinib (Tarceva®) targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations for non-small cell lung cancer.
- EGFR is present in the skin, leading to common cutaneous side effects from EGFR inhibitors.
- Reported side effects include acneiform eruption, paronychia, telangiectasias, and abnormal eyelash growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare cutaneous side effect of erlotinib treatment.
- To highlight the potential for xanthomatous changes in severe acneiform eruptions associated with erlotinib.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients treated with erlotinib for lung cancer.
- Clinical observation of dermatological presentations including yellowish papuloplaques and acneiform eruption on the face.
Main Results:
- Two male patients, aged 56 and 46, presented with facial yellowish papuloplaques and acneiform eruption.
- These symptoms occurred during erlotinib treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should be aware of xanthomatous changes as a potential manifestation of severe acneiform eruptions in patients receiving erlotinib.
- The increasing use of EGFR inhibitors necessitates recognition of diverse cutaneous side effects.
