Cutaneous side effects caused by gefitinib treatment of lung cancer - Case report and review of literature

Gefitinib is an oral inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) that is currently used as molecular target therapy for a number of solid malignancies. In recent years, gefitinib has gained popularity in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein we report a 69-year-old woman with NSCLC developed cutaneous side effects after receiving gefitinib therapy. Oral ulcers were noted 6 weeks after the initiation of gefitinib therapy. Acneiform eruptions on her trunk and limbs as well as xerosis, desquamation, and severe itching over the whole body occurred 3 months after gefitinib therapy. She also had paronychia with granulation tissue involving multiple toes. Biopsy specimens of the acneiform lesions showed inflammation and disruption of hair follicles. A bacterial culture from the acneiform lesions yielded Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the cutaneous side effects of gefitinib encompass acneiform eruptions, xerosis, desquamation, multiple paronychia and granulation tissue, which may be related to the inhibition of EGFR-TK. Understanding the cutaneous side effects of gefitinib and providing optimal therapy would improve patients' adherence and lessen their discomfort.