EGFR Inhibitor-Induced Delayed Wound Healing Following PICC-port Implantation: Three Cases and a Literature Review

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of cancer and are often associated with toxicities, such as rash and xerosis. However, their impact on wound healing after PICC-port placement is not well understood. This report presents three cases in which EGFR inhibitor therapy was associated with significantly delayed wound healing following PICC-port implantation. Wound complications, including slough formation, infection, periwound skin damage and skin dehiscence, were observed in all three cases. Despite standard wound care, healing remained delayed until EGFR inhibitor therapy was discontinued. In each case, cessation of the EGFR inhibitor was critical for resolving the wound healing complications, and continuous debridement with advanced dressings facilitated eventual closure. These cases highlight the need for careful perioperative management when combining EGFR inhibitors with surgical procedures, particularly in the context of PICC-port placement. The consistent temporal relationship between drug withdrawal and healing initiation across all three cases suggests a contributory role of EGFR inhibitors. Larger prospective studies are needed to further clarify the relationship between EGFR inhibitor therapy and wound healing, and to inform optimal perioperative management in patients receiving these agents.