Data from Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-1 Antagonists Alleviate Inflammatory Skin Changes Associated with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antibody Therapy in Mice
March 2023
TLDR TNFα and interleukin-1 blockers reduce skin inflammation from EGFR antibody therapy.
The study investigates the inflammatory skin changes caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy, specifically using a monoclonal antibody, ME1, in mice. This therapy led to neutrophil-rich hair follicle inflammation and lipid-filled hair follicle distensions. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was found to be up-regulated in the affected skin regions, and its involvement in the inflammatory process was confirmed by the reduction of inflammation through the TNFα inhibitor, etanercept. Additionally, the interleukin-1 antagonist Kineret also alleviated the inflammation, suggesting that both TNFα and interleukin-1 play roles in this condition. The findings provide a basis for developing evidence-based treatments for EGFR antibody-induced skin rashes in cancer patients.