Nonscarring inflammatory alopecia associated with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib

Abstract

Gefitinib (ZD1839, Iressa, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Del) is a novel oral anticancer agent that acts by blocking the function of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Gefitinib and other drugs that block epidermal growth factor receptor function have been associated with a similar and interesting pattern of cutaneous adverse effects, including follicular acneiform eruptions, xerosis, desquamation, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic paronychia, and hair texture changes. These effects appear to reflect the significance of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in the skin. Here we present a case of a woman who developed an extensive nonscarring inflammatory alopecia after 2 years of gefitinib therapy.