Jatoi, A., Thrower, A., Sloan, J.A., Flynn, P.J., Wentworth-Hartung, N.L., Dakhil, S.R., . . . Loprinzi, C.L. (2010). Does sunscreen prevent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor-induced rash? Results of a placebo-controlled trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N05C4). Oncologist, 15, 1016–1022.
To determine whether sunscreen prevents or mitigates epidermal growth factor receptor–inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced rashes.
Patients were stratified based on (a) first-line cancer therapy versus other therapy, (b) type of EGFRI prescribed or anticipated (e.g., small molecule inhibitor versus monoclonal antibody), and (c) use of a concurrent medication that increases sun hypersensitivity.
Patients were randomly assigned to sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 60 to be applied to the face, trunk, and extremities BID for 28 days versus an identical-appearing placebo. The sunscreen included 7.5% titanium dioxide and 7.5% zinc oxide, and was shown to block more than 90% of both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light in preclinical trials. All patients were instructed to stay indoors or in a covered area from 10 AM to 3 PM to avoid peak sun exposure.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
The use of sunscreen (SPF of 60) did not prevent or decrease the severity of EGFRI-induced rash.
No evidence existed to support the use of sunscreen to prevent or decrease the severity of EGFRI-induced rash.