TLDR EGFR inhibitors can cause skin issues like acne and dryness, but these can be managed without stopping treatment.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, used in treating non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck malignancies, were associated with dermatological side effects known as the PRIDE complex, which included papulopustules, paronychia, hair growth abnormalities, itching, and dryness. In a study involving 15 patients, the primary skin-related issues observed were acneiform eruptions and severe skin dryness (xerosis). These side effects typically did not necessitate stopping the cancer treatment and could be managed with symptomatic care.
90 citations
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August 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” PRIDE syndrome includes skin and hair issues from cancer treatment with EGFR inhibitors.
114 citations
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September 1985 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”
38 citations
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February 2012 in “Supportive Care in Cancer” Skin problems like acne, dry skin, and nail and hair changes are common in patients taking EGFR inhibitors.
42 citations
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April 2012 in “Seminars in Oncology” Targeted cancer therapies often cause skin problems that need careful management to improve patient quality of life and treatment success.
19 citations
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October 2011 in “Clinics in Dermatology” New chemotherapy drugs cause skin side effects, but treatments like minocycline and tetracycline can help reduce them.
August 2025 in “JEADV Clinical Practice” PRIDE complex side effects from EGFR inhibitors can be managed without stopping treatment.
28 citations
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December 2006 in “Clinical lung cancer” Early recognition and management of skin side effects from new cancer therapies can prevent treatment delays.
January 2018 in “Springer eBooks” Cancer treatments targeting specific cells often cause skin, hair, and nail problems, affecting patients' lives and requiring careful management.
