Management of cutaneous adverse effects during treatment with ZD1839 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Surprising efficacy of early local treatment

7100 Background: The incidence of cutaneous adverse effect during therapy with ZD1839, usually dose-dependent, is reported from 48% to 65% with the dose of 250 mg/day. Despite neither dose reduction nor treatment discontinuation are suggested in case of grade 1–2 adverse events, however the extension of abnormalities to face and extremities, and some cutaneous reaction patterns, such as acneiform eruptions, dry skin, or itching, might have a worsening effect on patient's quality of life and compliance to treatment. Patients and Methods: From 01/2002 to 10/2003 47 patients with advanced NSCLC received ZD1839 250 mg/day as third (91%) or fourth (9%) line therapy. PS at ZD1839 starting was mainly 0–1 (57%) and 2 (28%).19 (40%) and 10 (21%) patients developed grade 1 (erythematous papules) and grade 2 (purulent fulliculitis) cutaneous adverse events, respectively, with an overall incidence of 61%. The lesions were mainly distributed over chest (34%), neck (28%), and back (25%). The cutaneous reactions started...