A Case Report of Inflammatory Nonscarring Alopecia Associated with the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Erlotinib

June 2009 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Pathology ”

Marinya Pongpudpunth, Marie France Demierre, Lynne J. Goldberg

nonscarring alopecia epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib EGFRI anagen hair follicles catagen hair follicles telogen hair follicles lymphoplasmocytic infiltration EGFR inhibitor

Studysummary This article discusses the cutaneous side effects of erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor, in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer, reporting nonscarring alopecia and indicative scalp biopsy findings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This case report described a 60-year-old woman with non-small cell lung cancer who developed nonscarring alopecia and a generalized itchy skin eruption after starting treatment with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI) erlotinib. Scalp biopsy revealed typical features of nonscarring alopecia associated with EGFRIs, including a near-equal number of anagen and catagen/telogen hair follicles and lymphoplasmocytic infiltration. The report highlighted the importance of recognizing these side effects, as EGFRIs were expected to be increasingly used in cancer treatment, necessitating awareness among dermatopathologists for accurate diagnosis and management.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research The PRIDE Syndrome: Dermatological Side Effects of EGFR Inhibitors

90 citations , August 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This paper describes the PRIDE syndrome associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors but reports no new clinical results.

research Nonscarring Inflammatory Alopecia Associated With the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Gefitinib

57 citations , August 2006 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This case report describes a woman who developed extensive nonscarring inflammatory hair loss after two years of gefitinib treatment, highlighting potential cutaneous side effects associated with epidermal growth factor receptor blockers.

research Trichomegaly of the Eyelashes Following Treatment with Cetuximab

78 citations , June 2005 in “Annals of oncology”

This case study reported that a 74-year-old woman with metastatic rectal cancer experienced temporary trichomegaly, or eyelash lengthening, associated with cetuximab treatment, which resolved after discontinuation of the drug.

research Follicular and Epidermal Alterations in Patients Treated with ZD1839 (Iressa), an Inhibitor of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

169 citations , September 2002 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study reports that ZD1839 (Iressa), an anticancer drug, was associated with acneiform eruptions and hair growth abnormalities due to its inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in the skin.

research Genetically Null Mice Reveal a Central Role for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Differentiation of the Hair Follicle and Normal Hair Development

107 citations , June 1997 in “PubMed”

In this study, disrupting the epidermal growth factor receptor in mice led to abnormal hair and skin development, characterized by disorganized hair follicles and systemic disease, providing a model for understanding EGFR's role in skin biology.

research Expression of a Dominant Negative Mutant of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Epidermis of Transgenic Mice Elicits Striking Alterations in Hair Follicle Development and Skin Structure.

252 citations , November 1995 in “The EMBO Journal”

Blocking EGFR in mice causes hair loss and skin changes.

research Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor on the Morphology and Patterns of DNA Synthesis in Isolated Human Hair Follicles

94 citations , February 1994 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study concluded that epidermal growth factor may induce a 'catagen-like' phase in human hair follicles by disrupting normal cellular proliferation and migration patterns.

research Comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor Binding and Receptor Distribution in Normal Human Epidermis and Epidermal Appendages

323 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Distribution of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors in Rat Tissues During Embryonic Skin Development, Hair Formation, and the Adult Hair Growth Cycle

112 citations , August 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”