Erlotinib-induced acneiform skin lesions – case report and review of the literature

Introduction. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are increasingly used in oncology. In Poland erlotinib has been approved for non-small cell lung cancer resistant to chemotherapy and advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Cutaneous side effects are the most common complications of treatment with erlotinib and other epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. Among them acneiform rash is the most frequent (60 to 90%).
Objective. Presentation of erlotinib-induced skin lesions and a review of the literature concerning skin toxicities associated with epidermal growth factor inhibitors.
Case report. A 42-year-old patient with unresectable pancreatic cancer was admitted to the hospital because of papulopustular eruption in the seborrhoeic areas of the body. The lesions started on the seventh day of therapy with erlotinib. After its discontinuation and treatment with doxycycline, the lesions resolved.
Conclusions. Because of the increasing number of indications for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in oncology, skin toxicities associated with these drugs will be more frequently observed. In most patients acneiform rash resolves despite continuation of the therapy and its severity correlates with better prognosis. A consensus is needed concerning treatment of skin manifestations induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.