Prevention and treatment of mucocutaneous adverse reactions associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is aberrantly overexpressed in many solid malignancies, making it an important target for anti-cancer biologic agents. Among them, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), which have been widely used in clinical practice, include anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A proportion of patients treated with EGFRIs develop specific, dose-dependent skin toxicity such as papulopustular rash, paronychia, xerosis and itch. These side effects can cause physical and psychosocial discomfort that may result in dose reduction, discontinuance, or replacement of the current EGFRIs treatment. Correct diagnosis and treatment of these skin and mucosal adverse effects associated with EGFRIs is of great significance for the tertiary prevention of malignant tumors. A review on EGFRI-related mucocutaneous adverse reactions is presented here, focusing on the pathogenesis, the various clinical manifestations, the strategies for prevention and treatment of these conditions.