Are All Adverse Effects Undesirable? A Case of Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Effect - An Exception!

Targeted cancer therapies, such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, are designed to block cancer progression by interfering with specific molecules. Erlotinib, effective against non-small cell lung cancers and metastatic pancreatic cancers, typically causes adverse effects like alopecia and gastrointestinal disturbances. However, this case report highlights trichomegaly (excessive eyelash growth) as a less serious adverse effect of erlotinib. Interestingly, trichomegaly may serve as a marker of positive tumor response and could potentially be used to treat madarosis, a condition with limited treatment options.