Recommendations on management of EGFR inhibitor-induced skin toxicity: a systematic review

Chemical Scaffolds for the Clinical Development of Mutant-Selective and Reversible Fourth-Generation EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC

In nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as in other tumors, the targeted therapy is mainly represented by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), small molecules able to target oncogenic driver alterations affecting the gene encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Up to now, several different TKIs have been developed. However, cancer cells showed an incredible adaptive tumor response to the inhibition of the sequentially mutated EGFR (EGFRM+), triggering the need to explore novel pharmacochemical strategies. This Review summarizes the recent efforts in the development of new reversible next-generation EGFR TKIs to fight the resistance against T790M and C797S mutations. Specifically, after giving an overview of the role of the EGFR's signaling pathways in cancer progression, we are going to discuss the most relevant approved drugs and drug candidates in terms of chemical structure, binding modalities, and their potency and selectivity against the mutated EGFR over the wild-type form. This could provide important guidelines and rationale for the discovery and iterative development of new drugs.

Skin Toxicity as a Predictor of Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Anti-EGFR: Fact or Fallacy?

The primary treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) consists of targeted therapy and chemotherapy to improve survival. A molecular target drug with an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist is recommended when the RAS and BRAF genes are normal. About 50–70% of patients using anti-EGFR antagonists will experience skin reactions. Some studies have shown that severe skin reactions caused by anti-EGFR antagonists may be linked to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), but the results are still uncertain. These data of mCRC patients who underwent anti-EGFR therapy between October 2017 and October 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 111 patients were included in this study. The survival results showed that gender, age, body mass index, primary tumor site, and recurrence did not significantly affect OS and PFS. However, the first-line anti-EGFR inhibitor treatment was significantly associated with OS (p < 0.001) and PFS (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acne between males and females in grades 1 and 2, while males have a greater risk in grades 3 and 4 than females (20.3 vs. 4.8%; p-value = 0.041). Skin toxicity was not a predictor of anti-EGFR treatment response in this investigation.

Heterogeneous disease and intermittent treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer: A case report

Background

Metastatic colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. RAS and BRAF mutational analyses are strongly recommended before beginning chemotherapy in the metastatic setting for their predictive role for the efficacy of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. In most of cases, mutational status coincides between primary tumor and metastases. In RAS and BRAF wild-type patients treated with anti-EGFRs, after an induction treatment period, recent evidence supports the role of a maintenance treatment with fluoropyrimidines and anti-EGFRs. However, skin toxicity is the most described and limiting side-effect of maintenance. Moreover, it is described that the continuous administration of these monoclonal antibodies leads to an acquired resistance to anti-EGFRs, with subsequent treatment failure. Intermittent strategy with chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR may help maintain treatment efficacy, delaying resistance.

Case presentation

In this case report, we describe the case of a RAS-BRAF wild-type elderly patient undergoing first-line chemotherapy with FOLFOX + panitumumab, reporting response of disease on all metastatic sites except for a node. This node, surgically removed, revealed host BRAF V600 mutant clones. After surgery, patient continued chemotherapy with a stop-and-go strategy continuing to benefit from the same drugs after 4 years since diagnosis, and continuing to achieve response when on treatment, avoiding unacceptable anti-EGFR toxicity. This patient, still alive after 6 years since the diagnosis, represents the case of a good synergy between molecular profiling of disease, surgery, and intermittent treatment.

Biotherapeutic Antibodies for the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: Current Approaches and Future Considerations of Photothermal Therapies

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous disease that includes a variety of tumors originating in the hypopharynx, oropharynx, lip, oral cavity, nasopharynx, or larynx. HNC is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and affects thousands of people in terms of incidence and mortality. Various factors can trigger the development of the disease such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and repetitive viral infections. HNC is currently treated by single or multimodality approaches, which are based on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biotherapeutic antibodies. The latter approach will be the focus of this article. There are currently three approved antibodies against HNCs (cetuximab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab), and 48 antibodies under development. The majority of these antibodies are of humanized (23 antibodies) or human (19 antibodies) origins, and subclass IgG1 represents a total of 32 antibodies. In addition, three antibody drug conjugates (ADCs: telisotuzumab-vedotin, indatuximab-ravtansine, and W0101) and two bispecific antibodies (GBR 1372 and ABL001) have been under development. Despite the remarkable success of antibodies in treating different tumors, success was limited in HNCs. This limitation is attributed to efficacy, resistance, and the appearance of various side effects. However, the efficacy of these antibodies could be enhanced through conjugation to gold nanoparticles (GNPs). These conjugates combine the high specificity of antibodies with unique spectral properties of GNPs to generate a treatment approach known as photothermal therapy. This approach can provide promising outcomes due to the ability of GNPs to convert light into heat, which can specifically destroy cancer cells and treat HNC in an effective manner.

Genetic Predictors of Severe Skin Toxicity in Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer Treated with Cetuximab: NCCTG N0147 (Alliance)

BACKGROUND

Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor used to treat multiple cancer types, including colon cancer, causes severe skin toxicity in 5%-20% of patients, leading to decreased quality of life and treatment delays. Our understanding of which patients have an increased risk of severe toxicities is limited. We conducted a genome-wide association study to identify germline variants predictive of cetuximab-induced severe skin toxicity.

METHODS

Our study included 1,209 patients with stage III colon cancer randomized to receive cetuximab plus 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin as part of the NCCTG N0147 (Alliance) clinical trial. Skin toxicity outcomes were collected using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. We performed genotyping, evaluating approximately 10 million genetic variants. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of each genetic variant and severe (grade ≥ 3) skin toxicity, adjusting for age, sex, and genetic ancestry. Genome-wide significance was defined as P < 5 × 10^-8.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly middle-aged white men; 20% (n = 243) experienced severe skin toxicity. Two genetic variants in the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) gene were significantly associated with severe skin toxicity [OR, 3.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.47-6.25; P < 7.8 × 10^-9]. Functional annotations indicate these variants are in the RARA promoter. Additional significantly associated variants were identified in chromosome 2 intergenic regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Identified variants could represent a potential target for risk stratification of patients with colon cancer receiving cetuximab.

IMPACT

Retinoids have shown promise in the treatment of cetuximab-induced skin toxicity, so follow-up work could evaluate whether individuals with the RARA variant would benefit from retinoid therapy.

Prospective practice survey of management of cetuximab-related skin reactions

Purpose

Evidence-based guidelines on how to prevent or treat cetuximab-related skin reactions are lacking and multiple care and management strategies are used. The main purpose of the present study is to gain information about the different skincare products being used against skin reactions in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and recurrent/metastatic (R/M) or locally advanced (LA) squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients treated with cetuximab.

Methods

An open-label, prospective observational study conducted in the Netherlands. The occurrence of skin reactions and the care and management options taken were documented for 16 weeks, starting from the first administration of cetuximab.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included in 7 hospitals. 38 patients (37%) developed a grade ≥ 2 skin reaction. Eighty-six patients could be analysed for the primary endpoint (73.3% males, mean age 62.4 years, n = 44 LA SCCHN, n = 16 R/M SCCHN, n = 26 mCRC). The most frequently used skin products at some point during the observation period were moisturizing products (70%), systemic antibiotics (64%), topical antibiotics (58%), lipid-regenerating (28%) and other topical products (28%). The overall use of products gradually increased from baseline to week 6–10, reducing by week 16. Hospital protocols were the primary reason (> 50%) for choice of the skincare products and medications.

Conclusion

A variety of skin care products and antibiotics were commonly used. Only few patients developed severe cutaneous reactions. For patients, the occurrence of skin reactions did not influence their willingness to continue cetuximab therapy.

Cicatricial ectropion and madarosis associated with panitumumab treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Purpose

To report a case of cicatricial ectropion and madarosis with the use of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor medication panitumumab.

Observations

An 82-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer presented with cicatricial ectropion and madarosis after starting panitumumab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor medication used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. His findings resolved several weeks after discontinuation of panitumumab and treatment with lubrication and antibiotic/steroid ointment.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the importance to consider potential medication side effects when treating periocular conditions in patients taking anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) agents.

Relationships between quality of life and skin toxicities of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in cancer patients: A literature review

AIM

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are used as treatments for various cancers, but the associated skin toxicities affect quality of life (QoL). The aim of this review is to document the relationship between skin toxicity and QoL of cancer patients, and to identify implications for clinical practice and subjects for future studies.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched systematically and all studies examining aspects of health-related QoL in patients receiving EGFR inhibitor treatments for cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 25 published studies met the criteria for inclusion. Some cancer patients maintained their health conditions by recognizing that skin toxicities are correlated with the efficacy of EGFR inhibitor therapy, yet QoL declined in all functional evaluations. In particular, QoL was low in patients above 81 years of age and in those under 50 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Improved understanding of the pain due to skin toxicity is required in all age groups, particularly in elderly and young cancer patients. In addition, further studies are required to define long-term changes in QoL among patients receiving EGFR inhibitors for cancer. Healthcare professionals need to help patients to maintain subjective health conditions by understanding relationships between skin toxicity and therapeutic effects. To this end, assessments of patients who are prone to QoL decline due to skin toxicity are critical so that skin management can be started during early stages.

Skin Toxicities with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

We fully investigate the skin toxicities of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in cancer patients. The studies about randomized controlled trials in cancer treatment with EGFR-TKIs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. The results suggest that EGFR-TKIs significantly increase the risk of skin toxicities including all-grade rash, pruritus, dry skin, and high-grade rash, pruritus. However, the risk of high-grade dry skin did not increase. Rash was the most common toxicity. Physicians should be aware of skin toxicities and should monitor cancer patients when receiving EGFR-TKIs.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Panitumumab in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Despite progress in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the last 15 years, it is still a condition with a relatively low 5-year survival rate. Panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is able to prolong survival in patients with mCRC. Panitumumab is used in different lines of therapy in combination with chemotherapy, and as monotherapy for the treatment of wild-type (WT) RAS mCRC. It is administered as an intravenous infusion of 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks and has a t_½ of approximately 7.5 days. Elimination takes place via two different mechanisms, and immunogenicity rates are low. Only RAS mutations have been confirmed as a negative predictor of efficacy with anti-EGFR antibodies. Panitumumab is generally well tolerated and has a manageable toxicity profile, despite a very high prevalence of dermatologic side effects. This article presents an overview of the clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of panitumumab, including a description of the studies that led to its approval in the different lines of therapy of mCRC.

EGFR inhibitor gefitinib regulates barrier function in human epidermal keratinocytes via the modulation of the expression of claudins

Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been frequently used in targeted therapy for lung cancer. However, the widespread use of gefitinib in targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer is hampered by its common skin toxicities. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the skin toxicities of gefitinib. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) treated with gefitinib were used for a series of in vitro assays, including MTT, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and transepithelial electrical resistance and paracellular permeability detection. In the present study, it was determined that the skin toxicities of gefitinib may be due to claudin (CLDN)1 and CLDN4 downregulation and CLDN2 upregulation in NHEKs. Additionally, Src and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathways were involved in gefitinib‑induced barrier function disruption in NHEKs. In conclusion, the present study may provide novel insights for improving skin toxicity of gefitinib in patients with lung cancer.

Genome wide association study to identify predictors for severe skin toxicity in colorectal cancer patients treated with cetuximab

EGFR-antibodies are associated with significant skin toxicity, including acneiform rash and folliculitis. It remains impossible to predict the occurrence of severe skin toxicity due to the lack of predictive markers. Here, we present the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) to find single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with EGFR inhibitor-induced skin toxicity using data of the multicentre randomized phase III CAIRO2 trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00208546). In this study, advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer patients were treated with capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab with or without cetuximab. Germline DNA was available in 282 of the 368 patients in the cetuximab arm. Mild skin toxicity occurred in 195 patients (i.e. CTC grade 1 or 2, respectively 91 and 104 patients) and severe skin toxicity (i.e. grade 3) in 36 patients. Grade 4 skin toxicity did not occur. None of the SNPs reached the formal genome wide threshold for significance of 5x10(-8), though SNPs of at least 8 loci did show moderate association (p-value between 5x10(-7) and 5x10(-5)) with the occurrence of grade 3 (severe) skin toxicity. These SNPs did not overlap with SNPs associated with cetuximab efficacy as found in a previous GWAS in the same CAIRO2 cohort. If formally proven by replication, the SNPs associated with severe EGFR induced skin toxicity may be helpful to predict the occurrence and severity of skin toxicity in patients that will receive cetuximab and allow for adequate information on the risk of skin toxicity and prophylactic measurements.

Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of non-hematological tumors: a safety review

Introduction: The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) into clinical practice revolutionized the treatment strategies in several solid tumors. These agents differ from cytotoxic chemotherapy for their mechanism of action and toxicity. By targeting specific antigens present on healthy cells and modulating immune system activity, these biological drugs are able to generate a wide spectrum of peculiar adverse events that can negatively impact on patients' quality of life. Areas covered: In this review, the main side effects associated with the use of moAbs have been described to show their incidence and current management strategies, which may drive clinicians in their daily practice. Expert opinion: The majority of these drugs represents an example of successful innovation, since they are able to induce a significant improvement of patients' survival and quality of life without any increase in related side effects as compared to standard cancer treatments. For this reason, they have become new milestones in personalized therapy for different non-hematological malignancies. With the increasing use of moAbs in treatment regimens, it is strongly recommended that clinicians are knowledgeable about the side effects associated with these agents, their management and monitoring, to optimize the clinical treatment of cancer patients.

Skin toxicity with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of 65 randomized controlled trials

We performed a meta-analysis to fully investigate the skin toxicities of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (EGFR-MoAbs) in cancer patients. The relevant studies of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for articles published till November 2017. The relevant RCTs in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. 65 RCTs and 25994 patients were included. The current meta-analysis suggests that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing all-grade and high-grade skin toxicity, such as rash, hand-foot syndrome, dry skin and oral mucositis. Rash was the most common skin toxicity. Patients receiving nimotuzumab were associated with the least risk of skin toxicity. The risk of high-grade skin toxicity tended to be higher in the study in which the EGFR-MoAbs treatment duration was longer. The available data suggested that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing skin toxicity. Physicians should be aware of skin toxicity and should monitor cancer patients when receiving EGFR-MoAbs.

Unusual and Interesting Adverse Cutaneous Drug Reactions

Any drug can cause any rash! Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) are great mimickers and can be included in the differential diagnosis of any inflammatory dermatoses. Several drugs can cause rash of similar morphology and the same drug can cause rash of different morphology. While some common and specific drug reaction patterns are recognized easily by the clinicians, many a times unusual and interesting patterns can be induced by drug(s), thus leading to erroneous diagnosis and mistreatment. This review aims to familiarize clinicians with some rare, yet interesting patterns of CADR.

A novel nanobody-based target module for retargeting of T lymphocytes to EGFR-expressing cancer cells via the modular UniCAR platform

Recent treatments of leukemias with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing T cells underline their impressive therapeutic potential. However, once adoptively transferred into patients, there is little scope left to shut them down after elimination of tumor cells or in case adverse side effects occur. This becomes of special relevance if they are directed against commonly expressed tumor associated antigens (TAAs) such as receptors of the ErbB family. To overcome this limitation, we recently established a modular CAR platform technology termed UniCAR. UniCARs are not directed against TAAs but instead against a unique peptide epitope on engineered recombinant targeting modules (TMs), which guide them to the target. In the absence of a TM UniCAR T cells are inactive. Thus an interruption of any UniCAR activity requires an elimination of unbound TM and the TM complexed with UniCAR T cells. Elimination of the latter one requires a disassembly of the UniCAR-TM complexes. Here, we describe a first nanobody (nb)-based TM directed against EGFR. The novel TM efficiently retargets UniCAR T cells to EGFR positive tumors and mediates highly efficient target-specific and target-dependent tumor cell lysis both in vitro and in vivo. After radiolabeling of the novel TM with ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁸Ga, we analyzed its biodistribution and clearance as well as the stability of the UniCAR-TM complexes. As expected unbound TM is rapidly eliminated while the elimination of the TM complexed with UniCAR T cells is delayed. Nonetheless, we show that UniCAR-TM complexes dissociate in vitro and in vivo in a concentration-dependent manner in line with the concept of a repeated stop and go retargeting of tumor cells via the UniCAR technology.

Nursing Management of Cutaneous Toxicities From Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Personalized targeted therapies have become an emerging paradigm in cancer treatment. Although generally more tolerable than other chemotherapeutic agents, one therapy, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), commonly results in the formation of cutaneous toxicities, which can negatively affect patients' treatment adherence and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to review nursing management strategies for EGFRI-related cutaneous toxicities.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed, including database searches in PubMed/MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO®, and Web of Science.

FINDINGS

Nurses are essential to the management of EGFRI-related cutaneous toxicities and are in an ideal position to provide supportive care throughout the course of the EGFRI treatment. The aim of nursing management is to maintain patients' treatment adherence and quality of life by employing a preemptive and proactive approach. Patient education is the most frequently reported management strategy. However, treatment options and management strategies are largely anecdotal and based on individual reports and expert opinions. Although no evidence-based management strategies exist, nurses can rely on existing assessment tools and guidelines to provide patients with symptom management and supportive care.

Clinical potential of necitumumab in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Despite significant progress, new therapeutic approaches for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are highly needed, particularly for the treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often overexpressed in NSCLC and represents a relevant target for specific treatments. Although EGFR mutations are more frequent in non-squamous histology, the receptor itself is more often overexpressed in squamous NSCLC. Necitumumab is a human monoclonal antibody that is able to inhibit the EGFR pathway and cause antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. This drug has been studied in combination with first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC in two Phase III trials, and a significant survival benefit was reported in squamous NSCLC (SQUIRE trial); by contrast, necitumumab did not prove itself beneficial in non-squamous histotype (INSPIRE trial). On the basis of the SQUIRE results, necitumumab was approved in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for advanced squamous NSCLC, both in the US and Europe, where its availability is limited to patients with EGFR-expressing tumors. The aim of this review is to describe the tolerability and the efficacy of necitumumab by searching the available published data and define its potential role in the current landscape of NSCLC treatment.

Kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies in oncology: clinical implications

Molecularly targeted cancer therapies, such as small-molecule kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, constitute a rapidly growing and an important part of the oncology armamentarium. Unlike conventional (cytotoxic) chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies were designed to disrupt cancer cell pathogenesis at specific biological points essential for the development and progression of the tumour. These agents were developed to disrupt specific targets with the aim of minimizing treatment burden compared with conventional chemotherapy. Nevertheless the increasingly common use of targeted therapies has revealed some unanticipated, often clinically significant toxic effects, as well as compromising effective palliative and end-of-life management approaches. Although patients and clinicians welcome improvements in cancer prognosis, these changes can also impact patient quality-of-life. Therefore, as demand for oncology expertise increases, physicians need to apprise themselves of targeted therapies and their clinical implications, including drug-specific side effects, impact on quality of life, and cost issues, especially in relation to end-of-life care. This Review provides a useful summary and guide for professionals treating patients with malignant diseases.

First-line anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in panRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) is restricted in Europe to RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. While up today these targeted agents have been mainly chosen as salvage treatment in later lines, their use in first-line in combination with chemotherapy is highly debated.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, ASCO University, ESMO/ECCO conferences were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing first-line anti-EGFR MoAbs cetuximab or panitumumab plus chemotherapy to chemotherapy alone or with bevacizumab in patients with RAS wild-type colorectal cancer. Data extraction was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS

Seven eligible RCTs were identified. In the overall RAS wild-type population (N=2719), anti-EGFR MoAbs significantly improved OS (HR=0.81; 95%CI, 0.71-0.92; p=0.002), PFS (HR=0.77; 95%CI, 0.60-0.98; p=0.03) and objective response rate (ORR) (RR=1.33; 95%CI, 1.09-1.62; p=0.004). The addition of an anti-EGFR MoAb to chemotherapy alone improved PFS (p<0.001) and ORR (p<0.001) with a trend toward longer OS (p=0.07). As compared to bevacizumab, anti-EGFR MoAbs significantly improved OS (HR=0.80; 95%CI, 0.69-0.92; p=0.003), but not PFS (HR=0.94; 95%CI, 0.74-1.19; p=0.59) or ORR (RR=1.10; 95%CI, 0.97-1.25; p=0.12). No significant differences were found with respect to the chemotherapy backbone (oxaliplatin- versus irinotecan-based).

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of an anti-EGFR MoAb as first-line biologic is a valid option in RAS wild-type patients candidate to a doublet with infusional 5-FU. While attempting to further refine molecular selection, clinical considerations are crucial in planning the treatment strategy.

Phase II trial of epidermal growth factor ointment for patients with Erlotinib-related skin effects

PURPOSE

The efficacy of erlotinib, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been demonstrated in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ointment on erlotinib-related skin effects (ERSEs).

METHODS

This was an open-label, non-comparative, multicenter, phase II trial. The patients included those diagnosed with NSCLC or PC who were treated with erlotinib. The effectiveness of the ointment was defined as follows: (1) grade 2, 3, or 4 ERSEs downgraded to ≤ grade 1 or (2) grade 3 or 4 ERSEs downgraded to grade 2 and persisted for at least 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients from seven institutes in Korea were enrolled with informed consent. The final assessment included 46 patients (30 males, 16 females). According to the definition of effectiveness, the EGF ointment was effective in 36 (69.2%) intention to treat patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of the EGF ointment by gender (p = 0.465), age (p = 0.547), tumor type (p = 0.085), erlotinib dosage (p = 0.117), and number of prior chemotherapy sessions (p = 0.547). The grading for the average National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) rating of rash/acne and itching improved from 2.02 ± 0.83 to 1.13 ± 0.89 and 1.52 ± 0.84 to 0.67 ± 0.90, respectively (p < 0.001). The most common reason for discontinuing the study was progression of cancer (37%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, the EGF ointment is effective for ERSEs, regardless of gender, age, type of tumor, and dosage of erlotinib. The EGF ointment evenly improved all kinds of symptoms of ERSEs.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01593995.

Cetuximab and panitumumab in a patient with colon cancer and concomitant chronic skin disease: A potential beneficial effect on psoriasis vulgaris

Monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are used in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. However, these agents can induce severe dermatological side effects that discourage their administration in patients with chronic dermatological disease. EGFR plays a key role in normal skin development and immunological function, and is expressed in various tissues and organs, although contrarily, it is overexpressed in psoriasis-related skin lesions. Thus, discussion is ongoing regarding the putative pathological role and therapeutic potential of this protein. We herein report on a patient with advanced colon cancer and concomitant long-standing psoriasis vulgaris who received anti-EGFR antibody monotherapy as a third-line treatment for metastatic disease. One week after the initiation of treatment, the patient’s skin lesions dramatically subsided and the improvement was sustained during therapy. Based on this case, we propose that anti-EGFR antibody therapy is not necessarily contraindicated in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Moreover, the findings reaffirmed that EGFR is an important molecule in the pathology of psoriasis.

The use of EGFR inhibitors in colorectal cancer: is it clinically efficacious and cost-effective?

Cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) are monoclonal antibodies to the EGFR. They are used as monotherapy or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy and increase both progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer. The most common side effects of therapy are dermatological, including skin (acneiform) rash, pruritus and hair changes. Despite their clinical activity, cost-effectiveness of the two drugs should be addressed in a discussion of their usage in everyday care. This study provides an up-to-date review of the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of anti-EGFR inhibitors.

Dermatological toxicity associated with targeted therapies in cancer: optimal management

Targeted therapies have developed rapidly over the last few years in the field of oncology thanks to a better understanding of carcinogenesis. They target pathways involved in signal transduction (EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4, FLT3, RAS, RAF, MEK, KIT, RET, mTOR, SRC, EPH, SCF), tumor angiogenesis (VEGFR, TIE2), and tumor microenvironment (PDGFR, FGFR). They rarely cause the systemic adverse reactions generally associated with chemotherapy, but frequently cause disabling and specific skin toxicity. The impact on patient quality of life can be important both in terms of symptoms caused and of potentially aesthetic consequences. Inappropriate management can increase the risk of dose reduction or discontinuation of the cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss skin toxicity associated with the main drug classes-EGFR, BRAF, MEK, mTOR, c-KIT, CTLA4, and SMO inhibitors, and anti-angiogenic agents. Targeted therapy-induced skin toxicities will be detailed in terms of symptoms, frequency, evolution, complications, and topical and oral treatments in order to improve their diagnosis and management.

Preclinical in vivo modeling of cytokine release syndrome induced by ErbB-retargeted human T cells: identifying a window of therapeutic opportunity?

The ErbB network is dysregulated in many solid tumors. To exploit this, we have developed a chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) named T1E28z that targets several pathogenetically relevant ErbB dimers. T1E28z is coexpressed with a chimeric cytokine receptor named 4αβ (combination termed T4), enabling the selective expansion of engineered T cells using IL-4. Human T4(+) T cells exhibit antitumor activity against several ErbB(+) cancer types. However, ErbB receptors are also expressed in several healthy tissues, raising concerns about toxic potential. In this study, we have evaluated safety of T4 immunotherapy in vivo using a SCID beige mouse model. We show that the human T1E28z CAR efficiently recognizes mouse ErbB(+) cells, rendering this species suitable to evaluate preclinical toxicity. Administration of T4(+) T cells using the i.v. or intratumoral routes achieves partial tumor regression without clinical or histopathologic toxicity. In contrast, when delivered i.p., tumor reduction is accompanied by dose-dependent side effects. Toxicity mediated by T4(+) T cells results from target recognition in both tumor and healthy tissues, leading to release of both human (IL-2/IFN-γ) and murine (IL-6) cytokines. In extreme cases, outcome is lethal. Both toxicity and IL-6 release can be ameliorated by prior macrophage depletion, consistent with clinical data that implicate IL-6 in this pathogenic event. These data demonstrate that CAR-induced cytokine release syndrome can be modeled in mice that express target Ag in an appropriate distribution. Furthermore, our findings argue that ErbB-retargeted T cells can achieve therapeutic benefit in the absence of unacceptable toxicity, providing that route of administration and dose are carefully optimized.

Histopathology of acneiform eruptions in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are anticancer agents that have been approved for use in a variety of solid tumors. EGFR-inhibiting agents produce a variety of cutaneous adverse events: most commonly a follicular papulopustular (acneiform) eruption on the face, scalp, chest and upper back.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this manuscript is to elucidate the histopathologic findings associated with this most common adverse event.

METHODS

The histopathological findings of 10 patients with papulopustular eruptions induced by EGFRIs are described and compared to the four prior published case series of acneiform rashes attributed to EGFRIs.

RESULTS

All 10 patients in our case series showed a superficial, predominantly neutrophilic suppurative folliculitis with ectatic follicular infundibula and rupture of the epithelial lining. Similar pathology was found in the four other case series discussing this phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

While the characteristic clinical appearance of this rash precludes the need for a biopsy in most cases, this knowledge promotes our understanding of the pathophysiologic process. As the use of EGFRIs expands, dermatopathologists will see these reactions more commonly and will need to recognize this pattern.

Feasibility of proposed single-nucleotide polymorphisms as predictive markers for targeted regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer

Background:

Surrogate biomarkers for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are urgently needed to achieve the best outcomes for targeted therapy.

Methods:

A clinical association analysis was performed to examine the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were previously proposed as markers of chemosensitivity to the cetuximab (124 patients) and bevacizumab regimens (100 patients) in mCRC patients. In addition, biological correlations were examined for the candidate SNPs in terms of their regulatory pathway.

Results:

For cetuximab regimens, patients homozygous for the wild-type alleles (GG) of LIFR rs3729740 exhibited a 1.9 times greater overall response rate (ORR) and 1.4 months longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those homozygous or heterozygous for the mutant allele (GA and AA; P=0.022 and 0.027, respectively). For bevacizumab regimens, patients homozygous for the minor alleles (TT) of ANXA11 rs1049550 exhibited an ORR twice as high as those homozygous or heterozygous for the ancestral allele (CC and CT; P=0.031). Overall response rate gain was achieved up to 10% in patients with wild-type LIFR rs3729740 patients either with wild-type KRAS or skin toxicity (P=0.001) respectively. Specifically in clones treated with cetuximab and bevacizumab regimens, active p-ERK and MMP-9 expressions were significantly reduced in clones expressing wild-type LIFR rs3729740 (P=0.044) and in those expressing minor-type ANXA11 rs1049550 (P=0.007), respectively.

Conclusion:

LIFR rs3729740 and possibly ANXA11 rs1049550 may be useful as biomarkers for predicting whether mCRC patients are sensitive to relevant target regimens, although further validation in large cohorts is needed.

Pharmacogenetic markers of toxicity for chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients

Chemotherapeutic agents used in colorectal cancer are frequently associated with severe adverse reactions that compromise the efficacy of treatment. Predicting toxicity could enable therapy to be tailored. Genetic variations have been associated with toxicity in patients treated with fluoropyrimidines (5-fluorouracil, capecitabine and tegafur), oxaliplatin, irinotecan and cetuximab. Complexity of treatment and variability in toxicity classifications make it difficult to compare studies. This article analyzes the association between toxicity and polymorphisms in DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ABCB1, UGT1A1, ERCC1, ERCC2, XRCC1, GSTT1 and GSTM1. In addition, the state-of-the-art and future perspectives are discussed.

Selumetinib: a promising pharmacologic approach for KRAS-mutant advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Selumetinib is a potent and selective inhibitor of MEK1 and 2 that is currently being clinically developed for the treatment of several human malignancies. Initially administered as free-base suspension, a more convenient Hyd-sulfate capsule formulation has recently been developed. Phase I studies revealed that acneiform dermatitis was the dose-limiting toxicity of both the free-base and capsule formulation given two-times a day at the maximum tolerated doses of 100 and 75 mg, respectively, with the capsule formulation resulting into a significantly higher drug bioavailability. Importantly, as a MEK inhibitor, selumetinib could be particularly effective in tumors with a hyperactivated Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, which might be the case of KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Accordingly, a recent randomized Phase II study evaluating docetaxel plus selumetinib or placebo in KRAS-mutant pretreated advanced NSCLC patients has demonstrated a significant improvement in terms of response rate, progression-free survival and patient-reported outcomes in favor of the combination arm. These positive results support further clinical evaluation of selumetinib in NSCLC, and confirmatory ongoing and future trials will assess its role according to KRAS-mutation status and in combination regimens with other targeted agents.