Adverse Events / Safety & ErbB1 / HER-1 / EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors

A significant number of patients treated with EGFR inhibitors develop dermatological side effects. The most frequent of these is an acneiform eruption, but other side effects include:

• Xerosis


• Eczema


• Fissures


• Telangiectasia


• Hyperpigmentation


• Hair changes


• Paronychia with pyogenic granuloma

These skin effects appear to be mechanism-based, linked to the inhibition of EGFR action, though the exact pathophysiology remains unclear. If left untreated, these dermatological side effects could threaten patient compliance, making effective management essential.
Segaert & van Cutsem, 2005

see also:
ErbB1 / HER-1 / EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors & Skin reaction / Cutaneous toxicity

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