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Yun, Lee, Kim, and Kim: Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Induced by Gefitinib (Iressa) in Lung Cancer Patients
Original Article
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2006; 61(2): 150-156.

Published online: 31 August 2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2006.61.2.150

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Induced by Gefitinib (Iressa) in Lung Cancer Patients

Sook Jung Yun, M.D., Jee Bum Lee, M.D., Kyu Sik Kim, M.D.1, Young Chul Kim, M.D.1

Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Korea.

1Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Korea.

Adress for correspondence: Young-Chul Kim, M.D. 160 Ilsim-ri, Hwasun, Jeonnam. 519-809, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital. Tel:061) 379-7614, Fax: 061-379-7628, kyc0923@jnu.ac.kr

Received 18 May 2006       Accepted 27 July 2006

Copyright © 2006 The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

Background

Gefitinib (ZD 1839, Iressa) is a new anticancer agent; more specifically, it is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is, widely used for various solid cancers, including lung cancer. Cutaneous adverse reactions induced by gefitinib have recently been reported; however, not much on this topic has been reported in the Korean literature.

Method

We studied cutaneous adverse reactions of gefitinib in 23 patients who suffered with non-small cell lung cancer at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital from October 2004 to September 2005.

Result

The patients ranged from 23-72 years old, and there were 17 patients with adenocarcinoma, 5 with squamous cell carcinoma and 1 with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. The most common adverse reaction was acneiform eruptions in 15 patients (65.2%). This reaction appeared within 2 months after medication, and it didn't correlate with the therapeutic response and tumor type. Pruritus was the second most common reaction (39.1%), which was mild and generalized, especially around eyelid area. Xerosis (26.1%), exfoliation on palm and sole (21.7%), and paronychia (21.7%) followed. Hair breakage and intertrigo were rare adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Various cutaneous adverse reactions were observed in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma after gefitinib treatment. The skin complications could be alleviated with dermatologic consultations and treatments, skin complications could be alleviated.

Keywords: Gefitinib, Cutaneous adverse reactions, Lung cancer

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Acneiform eruption on the face (A), post neck (B).
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Figure 2
Acneiform eruption on ant chest (A), and back (B).
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Figure 3
Dryness with scales on the abdomen.
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Figure 4
Erythema and exfoliation on the palm (A) and sole (B).
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Figure 5
Paronychia with granulation tissue on the fingernail (A) and toenail (B).
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Figure 6
Hair breakage on the forearm.
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Figure 7
Intertrigo on the popliteal area.
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Table 1
Demographic data studied in this study.
trd-61-150-i001

*progressive disease, †partial response, ‡stable disease

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