Erlotinib-responsive actinic keratoses

Oncol Rep. 2007 Sep;18(3):581-4.

Abstract

Erlotinib is an inhibitor of the tyrosine-kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR). This drug is used to treat some solid cancers, particularly advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Similar to other EGFR inhibitors, erlotinib is responsible for a series of skin adverse reactions, particularly acneiform lesions. We described the incidental effect of erlotinib on actinic keratoses which became markedly inflamed and showed partial regression. Inflammation appeared to spontaneously decrease while on erlotinib treatment. This reaction in the skin neoplasm is perhaps a visible and accessible model for predicting the effect in the deep-seated neoplasm targeted by the drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / prevention & control
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Keratosis / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Sunlight / adverse effects

Substances

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