Abstract
The receptor of the epidermal growth factor (EGF-receptor) plays a role in the pathogenesis of many human carcinomas. Recent strategies in anti-tumor therapy target the EGF-receptor, e.g., by the EGF-receptor blocking monoclonal antibody cetuximab or by small molecules inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF-receptor, such as gefitinib and erlotinib. The EGF-receptor is also expressed in normal human skin; in clinical trials with different EGF-receptor inhibitors, cutaneous side effects were common. We report on cutaneous side effects of EGF-receptor blockade, in particular acneiform lesions, xerosis and paronychia, and discuss their management.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Cetuximab
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Drug Eruptions / diagnosis*
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ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Erlotinib Hydrochloride
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Gefitinib
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Humans
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Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Quinazolines / adverse effects
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Quinazolines / therapeutic use
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Statistics as Topic
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors
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Quinazolines
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Erlotinib Hydrochloride
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ErbB Receptors
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Cetuximab
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Gefitinib