sch-22219 and Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma-of-Head-and-Neck

Epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-inhibitors have emerged as the primary therapy in advanced solid tumor malignancies because of improvement in survival with overall favorable side effect profile. However, 50–90% of patients treated with EGFR-inhibitors develop a follicular or acneiform rash, which can be symptomatic and source of psychosocial distress, negatively impacting quality of life. As this acneiform rash is a well-recognized cutaneous toxicity of EGFR-inhibitors, a treatment algorithm has been proposed for management based on severity. However, treatment options for EGFR-inhibitor induced rash may not be generalizable to African Americans whose differences in skin biology and sensitivity present pathophysiologic challenges. Herein, we present a case of an African American patient who developed this acneiform rash while on cetuximab. We also review the few cases that have been reported in the literature of EGFR-inhibitor rash in African Americans, highlighting important management considerations in this patient population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(9):894-896. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5275.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Black or African American; Cetuximab; Drug Eruptions; Drug Therapy, Combination; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Male; Methylprednisolone; Middle Aged; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Treatment Outcome