Physiological functions of keratinocyte epidermal growth factor receptors and their role in the development of skin toxicity during targeted cancer therapy

Abstract

The binding of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) receptors is a good target for the treatment of lung, colon, pancreatic, head and neck cancers. The adverse events that develop as a result of therapy, in the form of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, is a serious problem for the doctor to choose a long-term treatment strategy. The developing symptoms of skin toxicity, as skin problems in patients are often called, are worrisome and often affect the quality of life and compliance with the treatment regimen. Thus, it is important for doctors to know the prerequisites and ways to manage skin toxicity associated with the use of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors of epidermal growth factor. The mechanism and consequences of EGF receptor activation are described to explain the development of undesirable skin toxicity associated with inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor.