Description and management of cutaneous side effects during erlotinib and cetuximab treatment in lung and colorectal cancer patients: a prospective and descriptive study of 19 patients

Abstract

Erlotinib and cetuximab are human epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI) that are approved in monotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. Papulopustular eruptions are the most frequent adverse effect, their occurrence being associated with increased survival in some studies. We describe 19 patients who presented with a rash located mainly to the face and trunk, without presence of comedones, shortly after initiation of EGFRI therapy. We present our algorithm to manage these patients and their respective responses. We also report other therapeutic options and cutaneous alterations that may be seen.