TLDR Doxycycline can effectively treat hair loss caused by EGFR inhibitors.
A 77-year-old woman with non-small cell lung cancer developed alopecia after starting the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, which was unresponsive to traditional corticosteroid treatments. The patient experienced significant improvement in her alopecia, including partial hair regrowth and resolution of crusting, after being treated with oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 6 weeks, then 50 mg twice daily for 4.5 months). The positive effects were maintained for over 3 months after discontinuation of doxycycline, allowing her to continue erlotinib without dosage changes. This case suggested that doxycycline, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, could be a potential treatment for corticosteroid-resistant EGFR inhibitor–induced alopecia.
36 citations,
January 2012 in “Dermatology” Stopping gefitinib improved scalp condition in a woman with lung cancer.
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January 2010 in “International journal of trichology” Antimicrobial therapy can help manage Folliculitis Decalvans.
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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.
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January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology” Too much epidermal growth factor can cause hair loss.
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July 2008 in “Current Oncology Reports” 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.
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January 2012 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Skin side effects from EGFR inhibitor cancer treatment can be managed effectively, often without stopping the medication.
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January 2014 in “Dermatology research and practice” Skin side effects from cancer drugs targeting EGFR can affect treatment adherence but can be managed with antibiotics like tetracycline.
15 citations,
February 2017 in “Nursing Clinics of North America” Targeted cancer therapies can cause skin side effects, which should be treated early to help patients' quality of life and treatment adherence.
