Skin toxicities associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

The use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in several epithelial tumors has increased considerably in recent years. Currently, they are approved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. Skin toxicity is a class-specific side effect that is typically manifested as a papulopustular rash in the majority (45-100%) of patients receiving EGFR inhibitors. The skin toxicity is related to the inhibition of EGFR in the skin, which is crucial for the normal development and physiology of the epidermis. Although rarely life-threatening, skin toxicity may cause significant physical and psycho-social discomfort. Nevertheless, the presence and severity of skin rash is associated with improved clinical efficacy in patients receiving EGFR inhibitor…