Generalized xerotic dermatitis with neutrophilic spongiosis induced by erlotinib (Tarceva)

Dermatology. 2008;216(3):247-9. doi: 10.1159/000112936. Epub 2008 Jan 9.

Abstract

Erlotinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used as an anticancer agent. Most patients develop a pustular facial dermatitis within the first week of treatment. Pyogenic granulomas of the nail folds are another typical adverse event occurring in about 10-15% of cases. We report on a patient who developed a generalized dermatitis characterized by neutrophilic spongiosis. Neutrophilic inflammation has been observed in several drugs that interfere with EGFR signaling, suggesting a class effect. The present case may be yet another manifestation of this particular reaction pattern.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary
  • Dermatitis / etiology*
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutrophils
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • ErbB Receptors