[Treatment of acneiform rash by epidermal growth factor inhibitors with oral tetracyclines].

INTRODUCTION

Epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFR) are new antineoplastic agents that are increasingly being developed. They are basically used as second line treatment in advanced stage tumors. Appearance of a facial acneiform rash in patients treated with these drugs is common and characteristic. The literature proposes multiple topical and systemic treatment options. Up to now, there is no clear evidence on any of them.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A descriptive study of 6 patients who were treated with 100 mg daily dose of doxycycline for 3 weeks was conducted. Clinical characteristics of the patients and treatment efficacy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five of the six patients achieved total resolution of the acneiform rash with this treatment. One patient achieved partial response. After long follow-up periods and in spite of following treatment with the EGFR inhibitors, no relapse was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Doxycycline is suggested as an effective treatment in this disease. Even though it is a short series, the results in our patients support this efficacy.