Pinnae and facial hypertrichosis induced by cetuximab
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
Dimitrios Alexandris1, Nektarios Alevizopoulos1, Kostas Palamaris2
1Department of Oncology, 69032Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Attica, Greece.
Introduction:
Anti-EGFR targeted anti-cancer treatment is associated with various skin adverse events. Cetuximab is often associated with acneiform papules and skin disorders. Hypertrichosis cited in face pinnae and eyelash trichomegaly are seldom described.
Case Report:
A 72-year-old female cancer patient presented deteriorating facial-pinnae hypertrichosis and eyelash prolongation post cetuximab infusion.
Management And Outcome:
Consecutive cetuximab administration led to exaggerating hairy skin side effects, fully alleviated when the drug was discontinued.
Discussion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an anti-EGFR-associated diffuse pinnae hypertrichosis presentation in a female patient in literature. This distinct entity can be easily diagnosed and manipulated with early drug withdrawal. An extensive review of relevant basic molecular research is provided to increase physicians' awareness.
