Scope, A., Agero, A.L., Dusza, S.W., Myskowski, P.L., Lieb, J.A., Saltz, L., . . . Halpern, A.C. (2007). Randomized double-blind trial of prophylactic oral minocycline and topical tazarotene for cetuximab-associated acne-like eruption. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25, 5390–5396.
To compare the effectiveness of placebo versus minocycline 100 mg every day for eight weeks, beginning on day 1 of cetuximab infusion, to prevent or reduce cetuximab-induced rash in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
To compare the effectiveness of receiving tazarotene cream BID for eight weeks on one side of the patient’s face versus not receiving the topical treatment on the other side of the patient’s face.
Twenty-four patients were randomized to the oral minocycline (100 mg per day) arm, and 24 patients were randomized to the oral placebo arm. Treatment was administered starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continued for eight weeks.
All patients received open-label, topical tazarotene 0.05% cream (Tazorac®) application to one side of their face, starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy and continuing for eight weeks.
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Follow-up clinical assessment was completed at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8, with questionnaires and skin examination, including skin lesion counts and digital photos.
Prophylactic treatment with minocycline appears to significantly decrease the severity of acneform rash during the first eight weeks of cetuximab therapy. Continuation of this therapy beyond eight weeks is not beneficial.
Results suggest that topical tazarotene has no role in the management of cetuximab-induced rash.