Histopathologic Features of Erythematous Papulopustular Eruption to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in Cancer Patients
October 2015
in “
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
”
Studysummary This study found that histopathologic features of erythematous papulopustular eruption due to EGFR inhibitors vary with eruption severity and differ between cetuximab and erlotinib treatments.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study investigated the histopathologic features of erythematous papulopustular eruption (EPPE) in 39 cancer patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, primarily cetuximab and erlotinib. It found that EPPE was characterized by neutrophilic subcorneal or intraepidermal pustules and a polymorphous infiltrate of the superficial dermis in the early stages, progressing to lymphocytic perifolliculitis and/or suppurative folliculitis in later stages. Severe EPPEs were associated with widespread dermis inflammation, particularly in patients treated with cetuximab, while hair follicle inflammation was noted in mild to moderate cases. The study concluded that these histopathologic signs correlated with the clinical severity of EPPE and the specific EGFR inhibitor used.
