Anti-EGFR Mechanism of Action: Antitumor Effect and Underlying Cause of Adverse Events

The document discussed the mechanism of action and adverse effects of anticancer agents targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which was overexpressed in many cancers and associated with poor prognosis. Cetuximab, erlotinib, and gefitinib were highlighted as agents targeting the EGFR, with cetuximab being a monoclonal antibody and the latter two being tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Common toxicities included an acne-like rash due to keratinocyte and hair follicle changes, resembling infectious folliculitis rather than acne vulgaris. Other adverse events were specific to the drug class or individual agents, such as interstitial lung disease with gefitinib and hypomagnesemia with cetuximab. Anaphylactic reactions were also noted with cetuximab.