Acneiform Eruptions Caused by an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor ZD1839
March 2004
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase EGFR-TK ZD1839 inflammatory folliculitis perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate keratinocyte differentiation hair cycle control cutaneous reactions topical steroids clindamycin hydrocortisone lotion epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR Iressa folliculitis steroids antibiotics corticosteroids
TLDR ZD1839, a cancer drug, can cause mild skin rashes that are treatable without stopping the medication.
In a document from March 2004, two cases of acneiform eruptions caused by ZD1839, a selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK), were presented. ZD1839 had shown promise in treating various tumor types but was associated with adverse skin reactions. The first case involved a 66-year-old man with prostate cancer who developed a rash with erythematous papules and pustules on his face, chest, and back after 8 days on ZD1839. Skin biopsy indicated inflammatory folliculitis, and he was successfully treated with topical steroids without discontinuing ZD1839. The second case was a 73-year-old man who also had prostate cancer and developed a rash after 14 days on ZD1839. His biopsy showed a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, and he responded well to clindamycin and hydrocortisone lotion but chose to discontinue ZD1839. The mechanism behind EGFR-TK inhibition leading to follicular eruptions remains unclear, but effects on keratinocyte differentiation and hair cycle control are suggested. Cutaneous reactions to ZD1839 are typically mild and do not require stopping the treatment. Dermatologists should be aware of these potential skin reactions as clinical studies of the drug continue.
