A Randomized Controlled Trial of Epidermal Growth Factor Ointment for Treating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Skin Toxicities

Abstract

Abstract Background The efficacy of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer (PC), or colorectal cancer (CRC) has been demonstrated. However, dermatological reactions to these inhibitors can cause significant physical and psychosocial discomfort. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of EGF ointment for EGFR inhibitor-related skin adverse events (ERSEs). Materials and Methods This placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter, pilot phase III trial enrolled patients with NSCLC, PC, or CRC treated with EGFR inhibitors. Patients with grade ≥2 ERSEs were included. Patients were randomized to three treatment arms: arm 1, placebo; arm 2, 1 ppm of EGF ointment; and arm 3, 20 ppm of EGF ointment. Patients applied ointment to their skin lesions twice daily. Results Efficacy evaluation was available for 80 patients (9 for PC, 28 for NSCLC, and 43 for CRC). Responses were 44.4% in arm 1, 61.5% in arm 2, and 77.8% in arm 3. There was a linear correlation between EGF concentrations and responses (p = .012). Quality of life (QoL) was assessed for 74 patients. Maximum changes in composite scores by Skindex-16 after treatment were significantly different among arms (mean ± SD: −5.2 ± 8.6 for arm 1, −11.7 ± 14.2 for arm 2, and − 18.6 ± 17.7 for arm 3; p = .008). EGF arms showed significant improvement in emotions (p = .005) and functioning (p = .044) scores over the placebo arm. Conclusion EGF ointment is effective for managing ERSEs. It can also improve patients’ QoL compared with placebo. Clinical trial identification number. NCT02284139