Abnormal hair growth in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) monoclonal antibody (mAb) panitumumab (Pmab)

This study examined the dermatological effects of panitumumab (Pmab), an anti-EGFr monoclonal antibody, in 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. It found that 41.6% of patients developed hypertrichosis or trichomegaly, typically appearing on the cheeks, upper lip, and chin, within a median of 3.46 months after starting treatment. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of hypertrichosis based on gender, race, or age, nor was there a correlation with other skin toxicities or treatment regimens. The study concluded that Pmab might alter the hair follicle growth cycle, with the characteristic hair growth changes related to the duration of treatment rather than other factors. Further research was suggested to understand the underlying mechanisms of these cutaneous effects.