TLDR EGFR cancer drugs often cause a rash, which can lead to distress and isolation, but may also improve outcomes for some cancer patients. Current treatments for the rash are limited, but a compound called menadione shows promise.
The 2008 document discussed the side effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, a class of cancer drugs, with a rash being the most common, affecting over 70% of patients. Other side effects included dry skin in 35% of patients, changes in hair growth, and painful inflammation around the nails. The rash was linked to improved clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer patients, but could also cause psychological distress and social isolation. Treatments for the rash were limited, with minocycline and tetracycline showing modest effects. The document suggested further study of menadione, a compound that showed promise in preventing EGFR inhibitor-induced rash. It also highlighted the need for clinical trials with a comparative arm to assess the efficacy of interventions, and raised concerns about potential interference of rash prevention agents with cancer therapy.
138 citations,
February 2007 in “European journal of cancer” EGFR inhibitors often cause skin problems and other side effects, but these are usually reversible and can be managed to keep patients comfortable.
169 citations,
September 2002 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” ZD1839 (Iressa) causes skin and hair side effects, treatable with tretinoin cream and minocycline.
1 citations,
January 2015 in “Springer eBooks” Chemotherapy can cause skin side effects that affect patients' lives, but they can be managed to avoid interrupting cancer treatment.
138 citations,
February 2007 in “European journal of cancer” EGFR inhibitors often cause skin problems and other side effects, but these are usually reversible and can be managed to keep patients comfortable.
26 citations,
October 2018 in “Clinical & Translational Oncology” Spanish experts provided guidelines for treating skin side effects in cancer patients on new therapies, stressing early action and teamwork.
192 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Targeted cancer therapies often cause serious skin problems that need careful management.
26 citations,
February 2015 in “Pediatric blood & cancer” Targeted anticancer therapies in children often cause skin side effects like rash and dry skin.
278 citations,
May 2013 in “Ca” Targeted anticancer therapies can cause severe side effects similar to traditional chemotherapy, but with different types.
