Abstract
Erlotinib is an antineoplastic drug used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It is a potent, selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, a receptor for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cutaneous side effects such as acneiform eruption, xerosis, telangiectasia, hair and nail changes are common. A case of a 70-year-old patient who developed unusual cutaneous side effects after 6 years of treatment with erlotinib was presented.
Highlights
In order to increase the survival rate of oncology patients and preserve their quality of life, various therapeutic modalities have been developed, such as targeted therapy, immuno-oncotherapy and hormone therapy
Targeted therapy has not led to a reduction in the incidence of dermato-toxicity compared to standard chemotherapy, which remains a major problem as it leads to a reduced quality of life for these patients.[4]
Since skin rash has been confirmed to be associated with a better clinical response to applied therapy, skin rash can be used as a biomarker for a therapeutic response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.[11, 12]
Summary
In order to increase the survival rate of oncology patients and preserve their quality of life, various therapeutic modalities have been developed, such as targeted therapy, immuno-oncotherapy and hormone therapy. Erlotinib induces receptor phosphorylation and activates a specific set of cytoplasmic signalling molecules that reversibly block the downstream signalling pathway of the surface protein- EGFR, leading to a slowdown in the development of malignant cells and their enhanced apoptosis.
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