Images in Clinical Medicine
Erlotinib-Induced Hair Alterations
N Engl J Med 2008; 358:1175March 13, 2008
- Article
A 55-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer was treated with erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Cutaneous toxic effects are specific to this class of agents and are associated with an improved clinical outcome. One week after the initial administration of erlotinib, a characteristic facial papulopustular eruption developed, sparing the orbital region. Three months later, typical hair alterations developed (Panels A and B). The brows and lashes darkened and displayed increased thickness (trichomegaly), curling, and elongation, accompanied by increased hair fragility (trichorrhexis). After the initial response to treatment, the patient had progression of the tumor, and erlotinib therapy was discontinued. Three months later, the hair alterations resolved. Hair alterations are reversible months after discontinuation of therapy inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor.
Peter Arne Gerber, M.D.
Bernhard Homey, M.D.
Heinrich-Heine-University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
homey@rz.uni-duesseldorf. de - Citing Articles (4)
Citing Articles
1
P. Forde, C. Murphy, C. O’Sullivan, D. Carney. (2011) Triad of trichomegaly, alopecia and male-pattern hair growth during treatment with erlotinib in non-small-cell lung cancer. Irish Journal of Medical Science 180:1, 283-284
CrossRef2
Peter A. Gerber, Gabriela Kukova, Bettina A. Buhren, Bernhard Homey. (2011) Density of <i>Demodex folliculorum</i> in Patients Receiving Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors. Dermatology 222:2, 144-147
CrossRef3
P.A. Gerber, B.A. Buhren, S. Kürle, B. Homey. (2010) Therapie mit Inhibitoren des epidermalen Wachstumsfaktorrezeptors. Der Hautarzt 61:8, 654-661
CrossRef4
(2008) Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 17:9, i-xvi
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