Management of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-related cutaneous and gastrointestinal toxicities

Abstract

Patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer with sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations using EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as erlotinib, gefitinib and afatinib as first-line treatment had better progression-free survival, overall response rate and quality of life than those on chemotherapy. Although EGFR TKIs are commonly associated with skin-related (rash, xerosis and paronychia) and gastrointestinal-related (diarrhea and stomatitis) adverse events (AEs), these effects are usually mild. But severe cases can occur, significantly affecting patient's well-being, treatment compliance and quality of life. Therefore, patient education, early diagnosis, and prophylactic treatment are important strategies to optimally manage EGFR TKI-related adverse effects. In this review, we summarize the commonly encountered EGFR TKI-related AEs and provide a current overview of AE management in local practice with a focus on Asian patients.

Keywords: adverse drug events; gastrointestinal tract; mutations; non-small cell lung cancer; skin.