Treatment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Acneiform Eruption with Topical Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor

In the study from 2012, researchers explored the use of topical recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) to treat acneiform eruptions, a common adverse effect caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors used in cancer treatment. The study involved treating HaCaT cells with an EGFR inhibitor, which resulted in a dose-dependent increase in EGFR expression. Based on the hypothesis that additional EGF could restore normal keratinocyte and hair follicle biology, three patients with acneiform eruptions were treated with topical rhEGF under institutional review board approval. The treatment showed positive responses, suggesting that topical rhEGF could be an effective option for managing EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform eruptions. The number of patients treated in the study was three.