Erlotinib-Induced Papulopustular Eruption and Mucositis

Abstract

Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor inhibitor that is used in the treatment of advanced stage cancers. Cutaneous reactions to erlotinib use have been observed. A 70-year-old male patient presented with the complaint of a rash on his nose and a lesion in the mouth. The patient history included a diagnosis of lung cancer and treatment with oral erlotinib 150 mg/ day. The complaints developed on the third day of erlotinib treatment. A dermatological examination revealed numerous papulopustular lesions with an erythematous background on the nose. Yellow plaques and erosions were also observed on an erythematous area on the tongue. In the literature, anaphylaxis, acneiform rashes, xerosis, nail and hair changes, and mucosal changes have all been reported with erlotinib treatment. Presently described is a case of papulopustular lesions and mucositis appearing on the third day of erlotinib treatment. Practitioners should be aware of cutaneous side effects that may occur during erlotinib use.

Keywords

• adverse reaction
• cutaneous reaction; epidermal growth factor; mucositis; papulopustule.