Ann Dermatol.  2011 Dec;23(Suppl 3):S350-S353. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.S3.S350.

A Case of Cicatricial Alopecia Associated with Erlotinib

• Yang BH
• Bang CY
• Byun JW
• Han SH
• Song HJ
• In SG
• Shin JH
• Choi GS

• KMID: 2171870
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.S3.S350

Abstract

Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Erlotinib has been used primarily to treat non-small cell lung cancer. In addition to its role in tumor cells, EGFR is also an important regulator of growth and differentiation in the skin and hair. Therefore, EGFR-TKIs have been associated with a number of cutaneous side effects including follicular acneiform eruptions, cutaneous xerosis, chronic paronychia, desquamation, seborrheic dermatitis, and hair texture changes. Herein, we report a rare case of a 61-year-old woman who was treated with erlotinib and experienced cicatricial alopecia.

Keyword

Cicatricial alopecia; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Erlotinib

MeSH Terms

Acneiform Eruptions
Alopecia
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Dermatitis, Seborrheic
Female
Hair
Humans
Middle Aged
Paronychia
Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Quinazolines
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Skin
Erlotinib Hydrochloride
Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Quinazolines
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Erythematous erosive patches containing follicular pustules on the scalp.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Skin biopsy from the scalp showing ruptured hair follicles (H&E, ×40). (B) Abundant perifollicular infiltrate with lymphocytes and neutrophils (H&E, ×200).

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  Fig. 3 Erythematous scarring, alopecic patches on the scalp.

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