Hair Eruption Initiates Adverse Events of EGFR-Targeted Cancer Therapy
November 2023
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
EGFR-targeted cancer therapy papulopustular rash pruritus xerosis EGFR epidermal cells skin barrier dysfunction hair follicle microbial invasion inflammation keratinocyte immune cell populations Langerhans cells EGFR signaling hair shaft emergence epidermal growth factor receptor skin rash itching dry skin skin cells skin barrier hair root skin inflammation immune cells skin immune cells hair growth
TLDR EGFR-targeted cancer therapy can cause skin issues starting at hair follicles, leading to inflammation.
This study investigates the cutaneous adverse events associated with EGFR-targeted cancer therapy, such as papulopustular rash, pruritus, and xerosis, which can limit treatment efficacy. Using a mouse model with conditional deletion of EGFR in epidermal cells, researchers found that skin barrier dysfunction begins at the hair follicle during hair shaft emergence, leading to microbial invasion and inflammation. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in keratinocyte and immune cell populations in EGFR-deficient mice, with Langerhans cells showing increased activation. These findings highlight the importance of EGFR signaling in maintaining hair follicle integrity and suggest potential targets for preventing adverse events in cancer therapy. Understanding EGFR's role in hair eruption could improve supportive care for patients undergoing EGFR-targeted treatments.
