A Preliminary Study Examining the Correlation between EGFRI Treatment, Clinic Dermatoscopy Features, and Serum Levels of Anti-Alpha-Galactosyl IgE in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract

The introduction of molecularly targeted therapies, particularly the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), has had a positive impact by increasing the life expectancy of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). The most used anti-EGFRIs monoclonal antagonist, Cetuximab, induces skin responses in most patients, leading to a reduction of dosages or even therapy discontinuation, all with devastating effects. Our study aimed to assess the predictive role and the possible correlations of clinical features, imaging aspects (dermatoscopy), and laboratory tests (anti-alpha-galactosyl IgE levels) for early detection of Cetuximab skin toxicity in patients with metastatic CRC. The association of IgE antibodies against goat alpha-1,3-galactose serum levels with various degrees of skin toxicity encountered during the oncologic treatment resulted in higher concentrations in patients with pruritus and hair changes. Incorporating dermatoscopy into the routine dermatological consultation allowed us to perform a severity assessment, dynamically record, and identify even the erupting lesions previously invisible to classical examination. Hence, we were enabled to generate a broad report and to classify various degrees of skin toxicity severity linked to Cetuximab treatment in 19 patients with metastatic CRC. Detecting the emergent lesions and initiating dermatological treatment in the early stages decreased the severity of skin toxicity. As a result, the duration of the antibiotic treatment was much shorter, and the risk of dose reduction or interruption of the cancer treatment was diminished. In conclusion, we emphasize the need for a regular dermatological examination with dermatoscopy of CRC patients undergoing Cetuximab treatment. Skin toxicity is a significant concern for these patients, and healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring and managing this side effect in order to optimize patient care. The correlation between anti-alpha-Gal IgE levels and Cetuximab-induced skin toxicities is an emerging area. More extensive studies need to be published in order to establish this relationship directly.