Korean J Dermatol.  2018 Feb;56(2):139-142.

Erlotinib-related Severe Hair Loss with Severe Exanthematous Drug Eruption: A Case Report

• Kang JN
• Kim DH
• Park SH
• Seol JE
• Kim H

Abstract

Erlotinib inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor and is used in patients with various cancers. However, it can affect the epidermis and hair because the receptor is expressed in normal skin cells. A 54-year-old woman with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer presented with erythematous patches over her entire body and severe hair shedding 2 weeks after starting erlotinib. Histopathological examinations showed lymphocytic exocytosis; perivascular infiltration of lymphohistiocytes and eosinophils in the right arm; and marked infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphohistiocytes in the scalp. Erlotinib discontinuation improved hair loss and skin lesions. Hair loss has been reported in 5% of patients taking erlotinib. Our case was unusual in that there was complete baldness, and to our knowledge, no report of complete hair loss and exanthematous drug eruption after erlotinib treatment has been previously reported. Here, we report a case of severe hair loss with concurrent exanthematous drug eruption that may have been linked to erlotinib hypersensitivity.

Keyword

Alopecia; Drug-related adverse reactions; Erlotinib

MeSH Terms

Alopecia
Arm
Drug Eruptions*
Eosinophils
Epidermis
Erlotinib Hydrochloride
Exocytosis
Female
Hair*
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Lung Neoplasms
Middle Aged
Neutrophils
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Scalp
Skin
Erlotinib Hydrochloride
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor