A case of psoriasis pustolosa palmaris induced by cetuximab

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Mar 18:2016:bcr2016214582. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-214582.

Abstract

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that competitively inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It is used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer after first-line therapy. We report the first case of a pustular psoriasiform drug eruption induced by cetuximab in a patient with colorectal cancer. This paradoxical side effect could be the result of an imbalance in downstream molecular pathways due to the EGFR signal blockade that could, in selected patients, induce alternative signalling pathways related to keratinocyte proliferation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cetuximab / adverse effects*
  • Cetuximab / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Male
  • Psoriasis / etiology*
  • Psoriasis / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Cetuximab