Definition: Pruritus or itch in EGFRI-treated patients is due to the Acneiform rash or to the Xerosis or eczema.1
Incidence: Very common2,3,4,5,6
Onset: Concomitantly with acneiform eruption and/or Xerosis/eczema.
Resolution: Within 4 weeks of completion of EGFRI treatment.
ICD10 codes:
- L29.8 Other specified Pruritus.
- Y43.8 Other drugs, medicaments and biological primarily systemic substances causing adverse effects in therapeutic use, not elsewhere classified.
Grade 1
Mild or localised; topical intervention indicated.
Grade 2
Intense or widespread; intermittent; skin changes from scratching (eg oedema, papulation, Excoriations, Lichenification, oozing/Crusts); oral intervention indicated; limiting instrumental ADL (refers to preparing meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone, managing money, etc).
Grade 3
Intense or widespread; constant; limiting self care ADL (refers to bathing, dressing and undressing, feeding self, using the toilet, taking medications, and not confined to bed) or sleep; oral corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy indicated.
References
1Segaert S & Van Cutsem E. Ann Oncol 2005; 16: 1425-1433.
2European Medicine Agency. Tarceva® (erlotinib) Summary of Product Characteristics 2009.
3European Medicine Agency. Iressa® (gefitinib) Summary of Product Characteristics 2009.
4European Medicine Agency. Erbitux® (cetuximab) Summary of Product Characteristics 2009.
5European Medicine Agency. Vectibix® (panitumumab) Summary of Product Characteristics 2009.
6European Medicine Agency. Tyverb® (lapatinib) Summary of Product Characteristics 2010.
Page last updated in 2009.