Dermatological side effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: ′Pride′ complex

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapy has become the standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and head neck malignancy. This class of drug comprises EGFR inhibitors (erlotinib and gefitinib) and monoclonal antibody (cetuximab). Use of this class of drugs has been associated frequently with dermatological side effects termed as PRIDE complex-Papulopustules and/ or paronychia, Regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, Itching, Dryness due to EGFR inhibitors. We hereby report the cutaneous side effects of EGFR inhibitor therapy in 15 patients of lung and head/neck cancer. The major clinical findings being acneiform eruption and severe xerosis of skin. Management of these dermatological adverse effects rarely requires discontinuation of targeted therapy and can be managed symptomatically.

Keywords

• Acneiform eruption
• anti-cancer drugs
• cetuximab
• erlotinib
• gefitinib
• inflammatory acne
• paronychia
• xerosis