HER1/EGFR Inhibitor-Associated Rash: Future Directions for Management and Investigation Outcomes from the HER1/EGFR Inhibitor Rash Management Forum

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Expert Consensus on the Management of Erlotinib-Associated Cutaneous Toxicity in the U.K.

“…Drugs targeting the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (e.g., cetuximab, panitumumab) or its tyrosine kinase (e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib) are in clinical use for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer (CRC) [2][3][4][5]. Although effective, EGFR inhibitors (EGFRIs) are associated with dermatological toxicities.…”

“…Clinical trials evaluating EGFRIs have reported a range of adverse cutaneous reactions with variable frequencies (Table 1), the most common being papulopustular rash (also referred to as acne or acneiform rash) on the face and upper torso, which occurs in up to 80% of patients [10]. The median onset of EGFRI-related cutaneous toxicity is 1-2 weeks after the initiation of treatment, with a maximum intensity at 2-3 weeks [2]. EGFRIassociated rash may gradually improve or resolve spontaneously while treatment is continued over 2-3 months [2].…”

“…The median onset of EGFRI-related cutaneous toxicity is 1-2 weeks after the initiation of treatment, with a maximum intensity at 2-3 weeks [2]. EGFRIassociated rash may gradually improve or resolve spontaneously while treatment is continued over 2-3 months [2]. Rash appears to be dose related [11], and most patients experience transient, mild-to-moderate symptoms [2].…”

“…EGFRIassociated rash may gradually improve or resolve spontaneously while treatment is continued over 2-3 months [2]. Rash appears to be dose related [11], and most patients experience transient, mild-to-moderate symptoms [2]. Moderate-to-severe rash has been reported in up to 10% of patients receiving EGFRI monotherapy [12].…”

“…Moderate-to-severe rash has been reported in up to 10% of patients receiving EGFRI monotherapy [12]. However, 8%-12% of patients experience rash of such severity that treatment must be interrupted or withdrawn [2,13]. Preemptive rash management strategies are being investigated in prospective studies to help reduce the incidence and severity of skin toxicity in cancer patients receiving EGFRI therapy [14 -16].…”