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Review
. 2015 Mar;1(1):31-7.
doi: 10.1159/000371821. Epub 2015 Feb 13.

Acneiform Rash Induced by EGFR Inhibitors: Review of the Literature and New Insights

Gabriella Fabbrocini  1 , Luigia Panariello  1 , Gemma Caro  1 , Sara Cacciapuoti  1
Affiliations
Review

Acneiform Rash Induced by EGFR Inhibitors: Review of the Literature and New Insights

Gabriella Fabbrocini et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Acneiform rash is the most common side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (EGFRis), and it occurs in 50-100% of patients. This condition can affect the quality of life of these patients and can sometimes lead to a discontinuation of the antineoplastic therapy. Several recent prospective studies have addressed and evaluated different interventions to mitigate or reduce the severity of EGFRis-associated skin rash. With this aim, we have established a dermocosmetological outpatient clinic for cancer patients at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami. An interdisciplinary network of physicians can improve the quality of life of the cancer patients, focusing on such important aspects as dermocosmetological skin care, but also on the evaluation of new therapeutic and diagnostic algorithms in order to make further progress in the field of prevention. In this review, we summarize the state of the art of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of EGFRis acneiform rash, and we describe our outpatient clinical experience.

Keywords: Acneiform rash; EGFR inhibitors; Papulopustular rash.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pathogenesis of inflammatory cell infiltration occurring in the EGFRis-induced papulopustular rash.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Papulopustular rash on the trunk of a patient affected by lung cancer and treated with erlotinib.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Papulopustular rash on the face of a patient affected by lung cancer and treated with erlotinib.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
EGFRis-induced skin reactions.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Papulopustular rash before and after topical therapy.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Papulopustular rash on the face before and after topical treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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