Acneiform eruptions associated with epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted chemotherapy.

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
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 56 Issue 3 Pg. 500-5 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17166623 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Dermatologic Agents
• Naphthalenes
• Adapalene
• ErbB Receptors
• Isotretinoin
• Minocycline

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (chemically induced, drug therapy, pathology)
• Adapalene
• 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
• ErbB Receptors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Humans
• Isotretinoin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minocycline (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Naphthalenes (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)