Comparison of Skin Toxic Effects Associated With Gefitinib, Erlotinib, or Afatinib Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Targeted therapeutic options in early and metastatic NSCLC-overview

The complex therapeutic strategy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed significantly in recent years. Disease-free survival increased significantly with immunotherapy and chemotherapy registered in perioperative treatments, as well as adjuvant registered immunotherapy and targeted therapy (osimertinib) in case of EGFR mutation. In oncogenic-addictive metastatic NSCLC, primarily in adenocarcinoma, the range of targeted therapies is expanding, with which the expected overall survival increases significantly, measured in years. By 2021, the FDA and EMA have approved targeted agents to inhibit EGFR activating mutations, T790 M resistance mutation, BRAF V600E mutation, ALK, ROS1, NTRK and RET fusion. In 2022, the range of authorized target therapies was expanded. With therapies that inhibit KRASG12C, EGFR exon 20, HER2 and MET. Until now, there was no registered targeted therapy for the KRAS mutations, which affect 30% of adenocarcinomas. Thus, the greatest expectation surrounded the inhibition of the KRAS G12C mutation, which occurs in ∼15% of NSCLC, mainly in smokers and is characterized by a poor prognosis. Sotorasib and adagrasib are approved as second-line agents after at least one prior course of chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Adagrasib in first-line combination with pembrolizumab immunotherapy proved more beneficial, especially in patients with high expression of PD-L1. In EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation of lung adenocarcinoma, amivantanab was registered for progression after platinum-based chemotherapy. Lung adenocarcinoma carries an EGFR exon 20, HER2 insertion mutation in 2%, for which the first targeted therapy is trastuzumab deruxtecan, in patients already treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Two orally administered selective c-MET inhibitors, capmatinib and tepotinib, were also approved after chemotherapy in adenocarcinoma carrying MET exon 14 skipping mutations of about 3%. Incorporating reflex testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) expands personalized therapies by identifying guideline-recommended molecular alterations.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors for Lung Cancer and the Risk of Keratitis

Importance

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRis) have been reported to be associated with cutaneous and ocular side effects; however, there is limited evidence of an association between EGFRi treatment and keratitis.

Objective

To determine the association between EGFRi treatment and agents and the risk of new-onset keratitis among patients with lung cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This US population-based cohort study examined TriNetX data of patients with lung cancer treated with or without EGFRis between May 1, 2003, and October 30, 2023.

Exposures

Treatment with EGFRis, including the first-generation agents gefitinib and erlotinib, the second-generation agent afatinib, and the third-generation agent osimertinib.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The risk of new-onset keratitis among patients with lung cancer receiving EGFRi treatment was determined using logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among 1 388 108 patients with lung cancer, 22 225 received EGFRis (mean [SD] age, 69.7 [10.6] years; 62.8% females and 37.2% males). Patients treated with EGFRis had a higher risk of keratitis than nonexposed patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.520; 95% CI, 1.339-1.725). Subtypes of EGFRi-associated keratitis included keratoconjunctivitis (HR, 1.367; 95% CI, 1.158-1.615), superficial keratitis (HR, 1.635; 95% CI, 1.306-2.047), and corneal ulcer (HR, 2.132; 95% CI, 1.515-3.002). Patients taking afatinib had a higher risk of keratitis (HR, 2.229; 95% CI, 1.480-3.356).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that patients with lung cancer treated with EGFRis may have an increased risk of new-onset keratitis, especially with the second-generation EGFRi afatinib, supporting the need for prompt diagnosis and management of EGFRi-associated ocular issues to prevent serious complications or treatment disruptions.

Benefit from Almonertinib after Osimertinib treat EGFR 19 exon deletion NSCLC induced Severe rash: a case report

Osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been recommended as a first-line treatment of EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Skin rash is one of the most common side effects of osimertinib, and can have an impact on patients' quality of life and follow-up. However, there are few reports on the safety and efficacy of switching therapy with osimertinib and the other three generations of TKIs. In this paper, we present a case of NSCLC with an EGFR exon 19 deletion (19del) and MET gene amplification who developed a severe rash after 2 months of treatment with osimertinib that did not recur after switching to replacement therapy with aumonertinib. Our findings indicate that aumonertinib is as effective as osimertinib in treating EGFR19del, while also exhibiting a lower occurrence of adverse skin reactions. This may result in an improved quality of life for patients.

Reaffirming Adverse Events Related to Lung Cancer Survivors' Target Therapies and Their Apparent Effects on Fear of Cancer Progression, Anxiety, and Depression

BACKGROUND

Most advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients received targeted therapies of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, few studies reported the relationships between adverse events (AEs) and psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to (1) examine the differences in the incidence of AEs, fear of progression (FoP), anxiety, and depression among 3 generations of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (first, gefitinib and erlotinib; second, afatinib; third, osimertinib) and (2) examine the difference in levels of FoP, anxiety, and depression between the presence and absence of AEs in NSCLC patients.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional study design. Patients with NSCLC (N = 120) were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Adverse events, FoP, anxiety, and depression were assessed by questionnaires.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of photosensitivity, mouth and throat sores, and diarrhea were significantly high in the gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib groups, respectively. A lesser proportion of patients experienced AEs in the osimertinib group, compared with those in the gefitinib and erlotinib, and afatinib groups. The incidence rates of FoP, anxiety, and depression were 13.8% to 26.0%, 24.1% to 40.4%, and 17.6% to 40.0%, respectively. Patients with photosensitivity, paronychia, and alopecia had significantly higher levels of FoP, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the priorities of care among 3 generations of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC patients, using both the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE 4.03) and PRO-CTCAE 1.0. Photosensitivity, paronychia, and alopecia were associated with higher levels of FoP, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, these AEs require further management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Our study suggests a follow-up to address AEs and psychological distress.

Effective and enduring surgical treatment for targeted therapy-related paronychia: A retrospective study

The development of targeted therapy has improved treatment outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, paronychia, a common adverse effect of targeted therapy, remains burdensome. Although conservative treatments for paronychia have been well reported in the literature, studies on the efficacy of surgical partial matricectomy for paronychia, are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical partial matricectomy in targeted therapy-induced paronychia in patients with NSCLC. This retrospective cohort study included 11 patients with a total of 18 lesions on the big toes. Data on lung cancer stages, types and duration of targeted therapy, onset of paronychia, pain scale scores, conservative treatments, course of matricectomy, paronychia-free interval after matricectomy, and wound condition were collected from medical records. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis. The mean pain scale score after matricectomy was significantly lower than that after conservative treatments (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 2.94 ± 0.87; P < .001) and before treatment (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 3.06 ± 0.80; P < .001). The mean duration of matricectomy was significantly shorter than that of conservative treatments (3.22 ± 1.00 vs 56.56 ± 52.29 weeks; P < .001). Surgical partial matricectomy is an effective and enduring intervention for targeted therapy-related paronychia. It provides a shorter course of treatment, reduced pain, and improved appearance of the healed wound. Furthermore, surgical partial matricectomy could result in a better quality of life during targeted therapy than that of conservative treatments.

Severe adverse cutaneous reactions induced by gefitinib combined with antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic drugs in lung cancer: a case report

The incidence of lung cancer is increasing yearly worldwide, and targeted medicines are the main choice for lung cancer patients. However, there has been no relevant research about the analysis and adjustment of drug combinations for cancer patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia until now. Here, we reported a case of medicine adjustment for a patient of lung cancer with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The patient was diagnosed as right lung adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis and continued taking gefitinib tablets to maintain therapeutic efficacy after the end of chemotherapy. Severe paronychia and a high plasma concentration of gefitinib were noticed when the patient visited the hospital for reexamination. The clinical pharmacist found that the patient took nifedipine sustained-release tablets and simvastatin tablets simultaneously, and these medicines were all substrates of CYP3A4. The clinical pharmacist suggested replacing the medicines for hypertension and hyperlipidemia with valsartan capsules (Diovan) and rosuvastatin calcium tablets (Crestor), respectively. The adverse cutaneous reactions were greatly relieved, and the plasma concentration of gefitinib was decreased when another reexamination was performed. Therapeutic drug monitoring was an important method in our case and provided valuable information to develop individualized treatment strategies. For cancer patients suffering from other diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, it is necessary to pay special attention to the drug-drug interactions and metabolic pathways among drug combinations.

Topical Zhiyang Pingfu Liquid for Moderate to Severe Skin Rash Associated With EGFRIs: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Background:

Skin rash is the most common adverse effect associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs). The study has observed the efficacy and safety of Zhiyang Pingfu Liquid in the treatment of EGFRIs-related moderate and severe rash.

Methods:

Patients suffering from EGFRIs-related moderate to severe rash were enrolled and then randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, receiving Zhiyang Pingfu Liquid and placebo liquid respectively combined with minocycline and methylprednisolone recommended by guideline for 14 days. Changes in rash grades were observed, as well as the dosage of minocycline. Blood routine examination and liver and kidney function were evaluated to observe the safety of Zhiyang Pingfu Liquid. The total response of rash included complete response (CR) and partial response (PR). And the effective rate of rash was the percentage of CR and PR in the total cases.

Results:

A total of 54 out of 58 patients finished the study with 27 patients in each group. The effective rates of rash among the treatment group and the control group were 81.48% and 55.56% after 14 days treatment ( P = .040). The treatment group had a lower dosage of minocycline compared with the control group. The median total dose of oral minocycline administration was 1000 mg in the treatment group and 1400 mg in the control group.

Conclusion:

Zhiyang Pingfu Liquid can effectively improve the moderate and severe EGFRIs-induced rash, and reduce the use of minocycline, as well as the side reactions brought by minocycline. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these findings.

Clinical Trial Registration:

The trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, the registration number is ChiCTR1800017053.

Cutaneous side effects during therapy with Erlotinib: Case report

Erlotinib is an antineoplastic drug used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It is a potent, selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, a receptor for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cutaneous side effects such as acneiform eruption, xerosis, telangiectasia, hair and nail changes are common. A case of a 70-year-old patient who developed unusual cutaneous side effects after 6 years of treatment with erlotinib was presented.

Management of skin adverse reactions in oncology

Chemo and targeted anticancer therapies present significant skin adverse reactions, which impair the patients' quality of life. Cutaneous toxicities lead to poor treatment adherence, drug cessation, and psychosocial distress. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the prevention and management of skin toxicity arising from these therapies. A systematic literature search on online databases was conducted. The categorization of the main preventive and treatment measures was performed according to the level of evidence. Management of skin adverse reactions of oncology treatments is very heterogeneous, which can be explained by the lack of sound evidence-based treatments. The most studied adverse effects are papulopustular eruption, xerosis, and hand-foot syndrome. Prevention of xerosis stands out as the strategy most supported by level II studies. With respect to treatment, the use of antibiotics in papulopustular eruption resulting from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents is the most evidence-based approach. In general, the number of studies published in the literature classified with a level II of evidence (52%) is similar to the ones classified as level IV (33%), making clear the need of more randomized controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of preventive and treatment measures of skin adverse reactions of chemo and targeted anticancer therapies.

Comparing the effectiveness of different EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR mutant non-small-cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study in Taiwan

The study was to compare the effectiveness of different epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and received EGFR-TKIs as first-line therapy. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from real-world settings. Patients with stage IIIB and IV NSCLC and first received gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib between 2011 and 2015 were included. The date of the first claim for EGFR-TKIs was set as the index date. Study endpoints were all-cause death and treatment failure that was defined when patients added on or switched to chemotherapy or terminal care. A total of 5,940 patients, including 3,982 (67.0%) receiving gefitinib, 1,207 (20.3%) receiving erlotinib, and 751 (12.7%) receiving afatinib, were eligible for this study. The 1-year overall survival (OS) rates for gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib groups were 74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-75%), 75% (95% CI: 73-77%), and 80% (95% CI: 77-83%), respectively. Compared to gefitinib, afatinib was associated with a lower risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93) but not erlotinib (aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.86-1.05). Similar results were also found regarding the effectiveness of treatment. All the three EGFR-TKIs showed no differences for both outcomes among patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score of 2. The real-world data exhibited afatinib was more likely to be used for younger patients in a better condition than other EGFR inhibitors, and observed prolonged OS and treatment effectiveness compared to gefitinib after performing a multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Effect of silkworm peptide on inducting M1 type polarization and Th1 activation via TLR2-induced MyD88-dependent pathway

The aim of this study was to explore immune activity and molecular mechanism of silkworm peptide. The cell subsets induced by silkworm peptides were detected by flow cytometry. The IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in CD4+ cells were measured by ELISA. TLR2 mRNA expression in mouse CD4+ T cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of MyD88 and p-IκB. The growth rate of Lewis lung cancer xenografts in mice of the medium-dose group was significantly reduced, and the tumor volume was significantly smaller than that of the control group on the 14th day. The relative vitality values of spleen lymphocytes in the medium-dose and high-dose groups were higher than the control group. The IFN-γ levels in the medium-dose and high-dose groups were significantly higher than the control group. The levels of IL-4 were no significant change among different groups. Compared with the control group, different doses of silkworm peptide groups could increase the levels of NO, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β. Compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of MyD88 and p-IκB in 10 μg/ml group and 20 μg/ml groups were significantly increased compared with the control group. Silkworm peptide could induce Th1 activation and M1 type polarization, which was dose-dependent and was relative to the effect of silkworm peptide on inhibiting tumor growth. Silkworm peptide could directly induce M1 type polarization and Th1 activation via TLR2-induced MyD88-dependent pathway in vitro.

Treatment effectiveness and tolerability of afatinib at different doses in patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma: How low can we go?

INTRODUCTION

Afatinib is commonly used as the first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. However, dose adjustments are frequently required. This study aimed to investigate the treatment effectiveness of afatinib administered at different doses to patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve patients with advanced EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who received afatinib therapy between May 2014 and September 2016 were enrolled retrospectively. Collected clinical data included age, sex, smoking history, performance status, disease stages, EGFR mutation status, initial doses of afatinib, dose adjustments, treatment responses, progression-free survival and treatment-associated adverse events. The average daily dose was calculated by dividing the summation of all doses of prescribed tablets during the treatment period by the total days of afatinib use. The patients were classified into five treatment groups based on average daily doses: 40 mg, <40 and >30 mg, 30 mg, <30 and ≥ 20 mg and <20 mg.

RESULTS

A total of 254 patients were included. No significant differences were found among these five treatment groups with respect to response rates (69.3%, 68.3%, 70.5%, 77.8% and 66.7%, respectively, p = 0.920) and disease control rates (97.4%, 95.2%, 97.7%, 100% and 100%, respectively, p = 0.749). However, the treatment group with an average daily dose of <20 mg had a significant shorter progression-free survival as compared with the other groups (16.8, 12.4, 13.9, 17.0 and 5.3 months, respectively, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Dose reduction may not affect the treatment effectiveness until the average daily dose is below 20 mg. Further prospective studies of afatinib therapy at different daily doses are warranted.

Osimertinib: A Novel Dermatologic Adverse Event Profile in Patients with Lung Cancer

Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) are common with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. First- and second-generation agents (erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib) are frequently associated with acneiform rash, pruritus, xerosis, and paronychia; the incidence and characterization of these dAEs have been well described. However, there is evidence that the dAE profile is different with third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Herein, we describe the dAEs associated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs and our clinical experience with osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic, EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR-TKI therapy. Case summaries of patients from two of our institutions who received osimertinib and were referred to a dermatologist for dAEs are also presented. Overall, the evidence suggests that osimertinib is associated with less severe and less frequent dAEs than first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs and that therefore a different approach is warranted. Finally, we outline dAE management approaches for osimertinib in the context of those typically employed with first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Appropriate prevention and management of dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) associated with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) may help patients to continue therapy and lessen any negative impact on their quality of life. EGFR-TKIs are frequently associated with acneiform rash, pruritus, xerosis, and paronychia; however, dAEs associated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs are lower in frequency and severity. Before therapy, health care providers should discuss the potential osimertinib-associated dAEs and encourage patients to report their dAEs. Patients should also be educated on prophylactic measures to minimize the severity of dAEs and the importance of adherence to the treatment regimen.

Efficacy and Safety of Afatinib for EGFR-mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Compared with Gefitinib or Erlotinib

PURPOSE

We tried to evaluate whether there are any specific features in treatment outcomes of firstline afatinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared with gefitinib or erlotinib.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed patients treated with first-line afatinib, gefitinib, or erlotinib for advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC at Samsung Medical Center between 2014 and 2016.

RESULTS

In total, 467 patients received first-line afatinib (n=165), gefitinib (n=230), or erlotinib (n=72). Afatinib was used more often in patients with tumors harboring deletion in exon 19 (Del19), whereas the gefitinib group had more elderly, females, and never smokers. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time for afatinib, gefitinib, and erlotinib was 19.1 months, 13.7 months, and 14.0 months, respectively (p=0.001). The superior PFS of afatinib was more remarkable in subgroups of Del19 or uncommon EGFR mutations. Overall toxicity profiles of the three drugs were comparable, though more grade 3 or 4 toxicities were detected in afatinib (7.3%) compared with gefitinib (2.6%) or erlotinib (1.8%). The common grade 3 or 4 toxicities of afatinib included diarrhea (3.0%), paronychia (2.4%), and skin rash (1.8%). Dose modification was more frequently required in patients treated with afatinib (112/165, 68%), compared with gefitinib (5/230, 2%) and erlotinib (4/72, 6%). Interestingly, however, dose reduction in the afatinib group did not impair its efficacy in terms of PFS (dose reduction vs. no reduction group, 23.5 months vs. 12.4 months).

CONCLUSION

First-line afatinib showed satisfactory efficacy data and manageable toxicity profiles.

Purpuric Drug Eruptions Caused by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Clinicopathologic Study of 32 Cases

Importance

Purpuric skin lesions have only rarely been reported in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. However, their clinical and histopathologic presentations have varied considerably.

Objective

To characterize purpuric skin eruptions caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective study enrolled 32 patients who presented to an integrated dermato-oncologic clinic in a tertiary referral medical center with purpuric skin lesions after using epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015.

Exposures

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical presentations, histopathologic features, laboratory examinations, and treatment outcomes of patients with purpuric drug eruptions.

Results

Thirty-two patients, 14 with purpuric drug eruptions without pustules (mean [SD] age, 60 [11] years; 12 female and 2 male) and 18 with purpuric drug eruptions with pustules (mean [SD] age, 64 [11] years; 12 female and 6 male), were identified. The median time to development of skin lesions was 3.5 months. The clinical presentations were characterized by purpuric macules, papules, and confluent plaques predominantly on the lower extremities. Pustules in various sizes could be found in 18 patients (56%). Eleven patients (34%) had skin lesions that covered places other than the lower extremities. Eczema craquelé-like features developed in 13 patients (41%). Bacterial pathogens were frequently identified in these skin lesions. Among them, Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant and was found in 20 patients (63%), commonly in those with cutaneous pustules. Epidermal dysmaturation, neutrophil exocytosis, perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils, red blood cell extravasation, and plumping endothelium were the main histopathologic features. The expressions of filaggrin and human β-defensin 2 in lesional skin of these patients were markedly reduced. All patients improved after receiving at least 1 week of systemic antibiotic treatment; the doses of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors were also changed for 14 patients (44%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Purpuric drug eruptions caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are uncommon and have characteristic clinical and histopathologic presentations. The role of bacterial pathogens in this reaction is important and requires further exploration.

Afatinib-Associated Cutaneous Toxicity: A Correlation of Severe Skin Reaction with Dramatic Tumor Response in a Woman with Exon 19 Deletion Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are biological factors used in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) that are positive for EGFR mutations. Afatinib is one such drug that has been approved for use in this capacity. Cutaneous toxicity is the second most commonly reported adverse event with the use of afatinib. A 39-year-old woman with inoperative right lung adenocarcinoma was initially treated with afatinib. She not only developed a severe papulopustular eruption but also had a dramatic reduction of her tumor. Her cutaneous symptoms and lesions were effectively treated with oral and topical corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, and oral antihistamines. After one month of afatinib treatment, her tumor was resected, and there was no evidence of metastases. Afatinib-induced cutaneous toxicity has a positive correlation with tumor response to anti-neoplastic therapy. Supplemental systemic and topical treatments can be initiated to palliate adverse skin events in order to enable adequate duration of treatment with afatinib.