Erlotinib-associated rash in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer treated in the EURTAC trial

Future Oncol. 2015;11(3):421-9. doi: 10.2217/fon.14.269.

Abstract

Aim: This analysis investigates incidence and time course of rash in the EURTAC study.

Materials & methods: Patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer were randomized 1:1 to receive once daily erlotinib or 3-weekly cycles of chemotherapy.

Results: Of the 86 erlotinib-treated patients, 71 reported rash. Median time to first rash appearance was 0.7 months. Most patients (n = 65) had the same or lower grade rash at final assessment compared with initial assessment. Of the 21 patients with decreased rash grade between initial and final assessments, 61.9% received no erlotinib dose modification, 42.8% had no concomitant rash treatment.

Conclusion: Most rash cases were mild, occurred within 1 month of erlotinib treatment, and rapidly improved without the need for erlotinib dose alterations.

Keywords: EGFR; erlotinib; non-small-cell lung cancer; rash; safety.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Exanthema / drug therapy
  • Exanthema / epidemiology
  • Exanthema / etiology*
  • Exanthema / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Mutation*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • ErbB Receptors