| Abstract | A relatively newer class of chemotherapy agents, known as the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGF-RIs), is being used to treat advanced stages of solid tumors. Acneiform eruptions are a frequent adverse effect and one which has been associated with increased survival in some studies. We describe 3 patients who presented shortly after initiation of EGF-RI therapy. Characteristics included an absence of comedones, facial and truncal involvement, and a perifollicular lymphoneutrophilic infiltrate detected on biopsy. Lesion counts were reduced with topical adapalene and oral tetracyclines in two patients. Patient 3 had dramatic clearance with low-dose isotretinoin (20 mg daily) until completion of EGF-RI therapy. Acneiform eruptions are a common adverse reaction to EGF-RI therapy and can be treated with traditional acne therapy. This should not be considered a drug hypersensitivity eruption or allergy, and patients should continue therapy. For patients with severe eruptions, oral isotretinoin is a consideration. |
| Authors | Christine A DeWitt, Alan E Siroy, Stephen P Stone
(Affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL 62794-9644, USA.)
|
| Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
(J Am Acad Dermatol)
Vol. 56
Issue 3
Pg. 500-5
(Mar 2007)
ISSN: 1097-6787 United States |
| PMID | 17166623
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Dermatologic Agents
- Naphthalenes
- Minocycline
- adapalene
- Isotretinoin
- Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
|
| Topics |
- Acne Vulgaris
(chemically induced, drug therapy, pathology)
- Administration, Oral
- Administration, Topical
- Adult
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(adverse effects)
- Colonic Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Dermatologic Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Humans
- Isotretinoin
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Lung Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Minocycline
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Naphthalenes
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
(antagonists & inhibitors)
|
