The Dark Side Of Gefitinib: Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Applied To Hair Hyperpigmentation

Gefitinib, a drug for non-small cell lung cancer, was reported to cause hair and eyebrow hyperpigmentation in a 77-year-old woman after 7 months of treatment, marking the first documented case of such pigmentation linked to the drug. Previously, only depigmentation effects were noted. The study suggested that the hyperpigmentation might involve the oct4 pathway and c-kit mutations affecting melanocyte activity in hair follicles. Reflectance confocal microscopy and dermoscopy were used to observe these changes, demonstrating their potential for non-invasive monitoring of skin changes during treatment. Further research was recommended to explore the genetic factors influencing this response.