PRIDE Complex: Papulopustules, Paronychia, Hair Growth Abnormalities, Itching, and Dryness Due to EGFR Inhibitors

The document discusses a case study of a 51-year-old woman with metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma undergoing treatment with cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, who developed the PRIDE complex. This complex includes symptoms such as papulopustules, paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, itching, and dryness. The papulopustular rash is the most common skin toxicity associated with EGFR inhibitors, affecting 56%-74% of patients, while other symptoms like xerosis, paronychia, pruritus, and hair changes occur less frequently. These side effects typically appear within the first few weeks to months of treatment. The study suggests that EGFR inhibition may lead to pilosebaceous disorganization, causing inflammation. Despite these side effects, the PRIDE complex does not necessitate stopping the EGFR inhibitor and can be managed with topical treatments and antihistamines. The papulopustular eruption might also serve as a prognostic marker for the effectiveness of EGFR therapy.