High Incidence of Cutaneous Adverse Effects Observed in Combination Cancer Therapy

Researchers at the University of Texas Houston have conducted a study on the cutaneous adverse effects (CAEs) associated with the combination of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer therapy. The study found that 59% of patients treated with this combination therapy developed a total of 42 CAEs, with the most common being acneiform eruptions and eczema. The researchers concluded that further studies are needed to understand the impact of CAEs on patients undergoing this treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• The study identified 44 patients treated with EGFRI/ICI combination therapy between January 1, 2015, and May 21, 2024, with 26 patients (59%) developing a total of 42 CAEs.
• The most common CAEs seen were acneiform eruptions (33%) and eczema (18%).
• Most CAEs were caused by EGFRI (62%) with 12% attributable to ICI, and 24% of CAEs attributed to either/both drugs.
• Most CAEs were reported as mild to moderate.
• The researchers suggest that a prospective trial is warranted to further understand the impact of CAEs for patients being treated with this combination therapy.

Statistics:

• 59% of patients treated with EGFRI/ICI combination therapy developed a total of 42 CAEs.
• 44 patients were identified on EGFRI/ICI therapy, with 26 patients (59%) developing a total of 42 CAEs.
• 33% of CAEs were acneiform eruptions.
• 18% of CAEs were eczema.
• 62% of CAEs were caused by EGFRI.
• 12% of CAEs were attributable to ICI.
• 24% of CAEs were attributed to either/both drugs.
• The majority of CAEs (74%) were reported as mild to moderate.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Studies from University of Texas Houston Provide New Data on Cancer (Cutaneous Adverse Effects of Combination Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Cancer Therapy). Cancer Weekly. July 1, 2025; p 838.
• Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025; 33(6).