Survey on symptomatic cutaneous manifestations of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors (EGFRI) in oncology patients at a regional hospital EGFRI

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors (EGFRI) is a new group of target therapy for a number of carcinomas. Its use may result in cutaneous manifestations which indicate a better tumour response to that therapy. We conducted a survey on the cutaneous manifestations in symptomatic oncology patients who were on EGFRI. A total of 34 patients were recruited within the 1 year study period. Papulopustular eruption (20.5%) was the most common skin manifestation, followed by pruritus (19.9%) and dry skin (19.2%). The relatively low incidence can be explained by the study design which only symptomatic patients were recruited. Five patients (14.7%) had their treatment withheld due to intolerable cutaneous side effects. Collaboration between clinical oncologist and dermatologist should minimize the cutaneous side effects and enhance the compliance of these patients to this life-prolonging therapy.