Cutaneous complications of erlotinib in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

With the rapid expansion in knowledge concerning oncogenesis, targeted pharmacotherapies inhibiting tumour growth are emerging. This article aims to raise awareness of the dermatological side-effect profile of erlotinib. Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) and is employed in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. We describe the dermatological side-effects of erlotinib, with particular attention to the clinical and histological features of its acne-like eruption. Patient comfort and compliance will be significantly enhanced by the early detection and treatment of side-effects from EGFR inhibitors.