A case of bullous dermatitis induced by erlotinib

Oncologist. 2009 Dec;14(12):1201-4. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0118. Epub 2009 Dec 4.

Abstract

Herein, we report a case of bullous dermatitis that occurred in a 61-year-old woman 5 days after beginning therapy with erlotinib for the treatment of stage IV pulmonary adenocarcinoma with metastases at the hypophyseal level. Skin reactions are the most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) inhibitors, and acneiform rash is the most frequently reported ADR in patients treated with erlotinib. To our knowledge, this is the first case of bullous dermatitis induced by erlotinib. This report highlights the need for additional research in the field of skin toxicity of EGFR-TK inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis / etiology*
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / therapeutic use
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / drug therapy

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • ErbB Receptors