Treatment of acneiform rash by epidermal growth factor inhibitors with oral tetracyclines

• Published in: Actas dermo-sifiliográficas Vol. 97; no. 8; p. 503
• Main Authors: Fernández-Guarino, Montse, Pérez García, Bibiana, Aldanondo Fernández de la Mora, Isabel, García-Millán, Cristina, Garrido López, Pilar, Jaén Olasolo, Pedro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.10.2006
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Doxycycline - administration & dosage; Drug Eruptions - drug therapy; Drug Eruptions - etiology; Erlotinib Hydrochloride; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Protein Kinase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Quinazolines - adverse effects; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor - antagonists & inhibitors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0001-7310
• DOI: 10.1016/S0001-7310(06)73451-2

Epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFR) are new antineoplastic agents that are increasingly being developed. They are basically used as second line treatment in advanced stage tumors. Appearance of a facial acneiform rash in patients treated with these drugs is common and characteristic. The literature proposes multiple topical and systemic treatment options. Up to now, there is no clear evidence on any of them. A descriptive study of 6 patients who were treated with 100 mg daily dose of doxycycline for 3 weeks was conducted. Clinical characteristics of the patients and treatment efficacy were analyzed. Five of the six patients achieved total resolution of the acneiform rash with this treatment. One patient achieved partial response. After long follow-up periods and in spite of following treatment with the EGFR inhibitors, no relapse was observed. Doxycycline is suggested as an effective treatment in this disease. Even though it is a short series, the results in our patients support this efficacy.