Dermatological adverse effects in a cancer patient treated with an EGFR inhibitor. Case report and literature review

Introduction
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR inhibitors) are used for treatment of advanced malignant tumours associated with EGFR overexpression. In over 50% of treated patients dermatological adverse effects are observed, occurring in form of the PRIDE syndrome (papulopustules and/or paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, itching and dryness due to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors).

Objective
The presented case ilustrates cutaneous adverse events of EGFR inhibitors, an increasing problem in modern medicine.

Case report
A 51-year old man treated with panitumumab for advanced stage of rectal cancer was admitted to the hospital because of a papulopustular rash. A specimen of skin was collected for histopathological analysis and revealed an acne-like rash, typical for EGFR inhibitors.

Conclusions
EGFR inhibitors are a common cause of cutaneous adverse events. Early identification and tretment of these lesions may decrease the risk of adverse-dependent change in oncological threapy.