Skin Toxicities with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

We fully investigate the skin toxicities of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in cancer patients. The studies about randomized controlled trials in cancer treatment with EGFR-TKIs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. The results suggest that EGFR-TKIs significantly increase the risk of skin toxicities including all-grade rash, pruritus, dry skin, and high-grade rash, pruritus. However, the risk of high-grade dry skin did not increase. Rash was the most common toxicity. Physicians should be aware of skin toxicities and should monitor cancer patients when receiving EGFR-TKIs.

Keywords: EGFR-TKIs; cancer; meta-analysis; skin toxicities; systematic review.