Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

T reatment of many types of tumors has evolved from chemotherapy to a more personalized approach, using strategies that can target re-ceptors associated with the specific cancer cell. Over the past decade, numerous targeted agents have been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are two types of targeted therapies that can cause significant dermato-logic toxicities: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and multikinase inhibitors. There have been very few random-ized clinical trials addressing the man-agement of dermatologic toxicities for the EGFR and multikinase inhibitors, mostly due to difficult study designs, a lack of validated tools for assessment, and low patient enrollment (Burtness et al., 2009; Lacouture et al., 2011). The dermatologic side effects can be uncomfortable, and at times disfigur-ing, to patients, sometimes requiring dose reductions or discontinuation of therapy. This article will address the causes of these side effects, assessment methods, and strategies for prevention and management