Cutaneous Side Effects in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Iressa (ZD1839), an Inhibitor of Epidermal Growth Factor

The study reported on the cutaneous side effects of Iressa (ZD1839), an anti-cancer agent used in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The most common side effect was an acneiform eruption on the face, trunk, and back, affecting 39% of patients. Xerosis or desquamation was the second most common, affecting 36% of patients. Other side effects included paronychial inflammation, small ulcers, and urticaria. These effects were similar to those of other epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted agents and were attributed to interference with epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in the skin. The acne was linked to follicular changes and inflammation, while xerosis was due to disrupted epidermal proliferation and differentiation. The mechanism for paronychia and ingrown nails was unclear.