Panitumumab-Induced Paronychia: A Case Report and a Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Panitumumab is a recombinant, fully humanized IgG2 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Panitumumab is indicated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with progressive refractory disease. Targeted therapies are well known to be well tolerated; however, they may induce toxicities that are distinct from those of classical chemotherapeutic agents. For instance, EGFR inhibitors (EGFRIs) are associated with some specific dermatological adverse effects, one of which is nail toxicity. Since panitumumab is fully humanized, unlike most of the other EGFRIs, it has been reported to have reduced incidence of adverse reactions. Nail-related adverse effects are frequently observed with EGFRIs. A literature search has yielded a list of reviews describing panitumumab-induced nail toxicity. However, as far as we know, there is no case report detailing this adverse effect of panitumumab. Here, we present a case of panitumumab-induced paronychia in a 60-year-old woman with metastatic colon cancer. With this case report, we would like to review the literature and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of this condition.