Racca, P., Fanchini, L., Caliendo, V., Ritorto, G., Evangelista, W., Volpatto, R., . . . Ciuffreda, L. (2008). Efficacy and skin toxicity management with cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer: Outcomes from an oncologic/dermatologic cooperation. Clinical Colorectal Cancer, 7, 48–54.
To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for several cutaneous reactions.
Rash was treated with erythromycin 4% gel, phosphate clindamycin 1.2 g and oil 100 g in cream BID, and oral doxycycline 100 mg daily for two months. Patients with grade 2 or 3 pruritus were treated with antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine). Finally, xerosis was treated with topical antibiotic ointments, soap substitutes, bath oil, and moisturizing emollients.
The study reported on a sample of 34 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who were receiving cetuximab and irinotecan.
The trial was conducted at two sites in Italy.
This was an open-label, uncontrolled phase 2 trial. A series of cases with significant dermatologic events (DEs) was described, and management of DEs was discussed.
Rash:
Pruritus:
Xerosis:
Interventions were effective in resolving the dermatologic effects of cetuximab and irinotecan.