Lacouture, M.E., Anadkat, M.J., Bensadoun, R.-J., Bryce, J., Chan, A., Epstein, J.B., Eaby-Sandy, B., . . . MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group. (2011). Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of EGFR inhibitor-associated dermatologic toxicities. Supportive Care in Cancer, 19, 1079–1095.
To develop first-generation, evidence-based recommendations for eight epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-associated dermatologic toxicities: papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia.
The type of patients addressed was those receiving EGFRIs.
In this guideline, topic review committees were formed according to expertise to review the literature and develop guidelines for each dermatologic toxicity. Each review committee comprised three members, with a primary reviewer to present the findings of the committee to the Skin Toxicity Study Group. Each committee reviewed from 17 to 35 articles to formulate the recommended guidelines. Randomized clinical trials were considered the best source. The level of evidence and grade of the recommendation were considered. In the absence of experimental evidence, pertinent studies and case reports were presented in conjunction with expert opinion derived from clinical practice. When available, data were extrapolated from other dermatologic conditions with similar clinical or pathologic characteristics (e.g., xerosis, alopecia, hirsutism, pruritus, paronychia, radiation dermatitis).
Databases searched were Ovid, MEDLINE, and Embase.
Search keywords were rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, paronychia, EGFR inhibitors, and recommendations (this information was not stated directly in the article).
Studies were included in the review if they were published before December 2010.
Studies were excluded if they were published during or after December 2010.
Eight tables outlining prophylactic and reactive recommendations were included for papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, oral complications, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia.
Papulopustular (Acneform) Rash
Preventive (Weeks 1–6 and 8 of EGFRI Initiation):
Treatment:
Hair Changes (Hair Loss)
Preventive:
Treatment:
Hair Changes (Increased Hair)
Preventive:
Radiation Dermatitis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Pruritus
Preventive:
Treatment:
Mucositis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Xerosis
Preventive:
Treatment:
Fissures
Preventive:
Treatment:
Paronychia
Preventive:
Treatment:
Recommendations were based on randomized clinical trials with control groups when possible. However, because of the lack of high-quality studies investigating EGFRI-associated dermatologic changes, many recommendations were based on expert opinion and consensus.
The authors developed first-generation, evidence-based recommendations for eight EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities: papulopustular (acneform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia. In addition, the authors rated each intervention according to the level of evidence (I–V) and the recommendation grade (A–D).
The authors proposed that multidisciplinary teams, including radiation and medical oncologists, nurses, dermatologists, pharmacists, oral healthcare providers, and wound care specialists, should assess the occurrence and management of EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities. In addition, the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) EGFRI Skin Toxicity Tool (MESTT) should be used in clinical trials and practice.
Nurses should provide patient education prior to EGFRI therapy to ensure patients can expect, prepare for, and use preventive and treatment approaches to manage the eight toxicities described. In addition, nurses should encourage the multidisciplinary team to collaborate on management of EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities.