Cutaneous effects of anti-EGFR cetuximab : dermatological management

Target therapy, using drugs inhibiting specific cell surface receptors, represents a new oncologic approach for several tumour histotypes. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inhibits cycle, proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cancer cells. The exact role of the EGFR on the epidermic cells has not been accurately elucidated. Systemic use of cetuximab for blocking EGFR provides new interesting information about the physiological role of this receptor on keratinocytes. Cutaneous reactions during cetuximab treatment are very peculiar and require specific dermatological treatments.