Scarring Alopecia Associated With the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Erlotinib

April 2011 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Donna M. Hepper, Peggy A. Wu, Milan J. Anadkat

scarring alopecia epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR erlotinib gefitinib chronic folliculitis perifollicular fibrosis

Studysummary Erlotinib may cause scarring hair loss.

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

This document reported the first case of scarring alopecia associated with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib, confirmed by histopathology. A 77-year-old female with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer developed scalp erythema, pustules, and alopecia shortly after starting erlotinib therapy. Biopsy revealed chronic folliculitis and perifollicular fibrosis, consistent with scarring alopecia. Discontinuation of erlotinib led to improvement in scalp symptoms, but not significant hair regrowth. Reinitiation of erlotinib caused a recurrence of symptoms. This case suggested that scarring alopecia might be a rare class effect of systemic EGFR antagonists, including erlotinib and gefitinib.

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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 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.