Atopic Dermatitis: a Short Summary
Cutaneous Reactions to Anti EGF Drugs and Management (For professionals)
- Examples of Anti-EGF drugs:
- Cetuximab (e.g. Erbitux): used in the treatment of Colorectal cancer.
- Gefitinib (e.g. Iressa): used in the treatment of Lung Cancer
- Erlotinib (e.g Tarceva): used in the treatment of small-cell Lung cancer, Pancreatic cancers and other cancers
What is a typical reaction ?
- It is a reaction consisting of papules and pustules distributed on seborrheic areas (seborrhoeic)
Classification of Reactions (depends on the extent) and management
- Type 1: papules located on the face = continue the chemotherapy and apply a topical antibiotic (e.g. Dalacin) on the lesions
- Type 2: papulopustules also limited on the face = continue the chemotherapy and apply a topical antibiotic (e.g. Dalacin) on the lesions
- Type 3: papulopustules extending on the trunk and occupying less than 20% of the Body Surface Area (BSA) = stop the chemotherapy for 2 weeks, treat with 0.5mg/Kg/d of Prednisone for 5 to 7 days, treat with topical antiinflammatory drugs and a topical antibiotic. The chemotherapy may be started 2 weeks later at a reduced dose or on alternate days.
- Type 4: papulopustules and ulcerations extending on the trunk and occupying more than 30% of the Body Surface Area (BSA) = stop the chemotherapy for 2 weeks, treat with 0.5mg/Kg/d of Prednisone for 5 to 7 days, treat with topical antiinflammatory drugs and a topical antibiotic. The chemotherapy may be started 2 weeks later at a reduced dose or on alternate days.
Contributors:
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland
Source: Derrick Aw. Adverse Cutaneous Reactions to Newer Cancer Drugs and Management Principles
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