PRIDE syndrome associated with panitumumab treatment – case report and literature review

Introduction:
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, including panitumumab, are drugs with a proven effect on overal survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. They have a better safety profile compared to classic cytotoxic drugs, but they may have side effects resulting directly from the drug’s mechanism of action.

Case report:
A 64-year-old man, treated palliatively with panitumumab for cancer of the sigmoido-rectal junction, was admitted to the Dermatology Department with disseminated maculopustular rash on the scalp and upper trunk. Also, layered yellowish crusts were present on the face and scalp. Edema and erythema were visible in the lateral folds of the nails of the hands and feet. The diagnosis of panitumumab - induced PRIDE syndrome (papulopustules and/or paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, itching, and dryness due to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors). Laboratory tests showed hypomagnesemia, hyperglycemia and elevated glycated hemoglobin values. Doxycycline and systemic glucocorticosteroids were introduced with improvement.

Conclusions:
Early diagnosis of the cutaneous adverse effects oncological treatment and initiation of treatment contributes to the improvement of the quality of life of patients and the continuation of oncological therapy.