329 Mechanisms of Cutaneous Adverse Events during Targeted Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Aberrant activation of EGFR is seen in many solid cancers, which has led to the development of EGFR-targeted anti-cancer therapies. However, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in hair morphogenesis and the maintenance of skin homeostasis. Therefore, cancer patients receiving EGFR inhibitors commonly develop a papulopustular rash, pruritus and dry skin. Severe adverse events may require interruption of an otherwise effective therapy. Mice with genetic ablation of EGFR in epidermal cells develop skin inflammation which closely mimics the hallmarks of EGFR inhibition in humans.