Cutaneous Adverse Events of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Endocrine Tumors: Clinical Features, Mechanisms, and Management Strategies
December 2025
in “
Biomedicines
”
tyrosine kinase inhibitors lenvatinib vandetanib cabozantinib cutaneous adverse events hand-foot skin reaction xerosis alopecia acneiform eruptions VEGF EGFR keratinocyte dysfunction vascular fragility emollients keratolytics sun protection skin dryness hair loss skin rash vascular endothelial growth factor epidermal growth factor receptor moisturizers exfoliants sunscreen
TLDR Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for endocrine tumors often cause skin issues, requiring early management and treatment adjustments.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in treating endocrine tumors, such as lenvatinib, vandetanib, and cabozantinib, often cause cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) like hand-foot skin reaction, xerosis, alopecia, and acneiform eruptions, which can affect patient adherence and quality of life. These dermatologic toxicities are linked to the inhibition of VEGF/EGFR signaling, leading to keratinocyte dysfunction and vascular fragility. The study emphasizes the importance of early risk stratification, patient education, and multidisciplinary management strategies, including the use of emollients, keratolytics, and sun protection, to reduce the incidence and severity of CAEs. Grade-based treatment algorithms involving topical and systemic therapies, along with dose adjustments, help manage symptoms while maintaining the anticancer efficacy of TKIs.
