Acneiform Eruption Induced by Iressa (gefitinib) tablets Used to Treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

September 2004 | Volume 3 | Issue 5 | Case Reports | 569 | Copyright © September 2004


Molly M Warthan BA, Cynthia A Jumper MD, Jennifer L Smith MD

Abstract
Many medications have been reported to induce acneiform eruptions. A relatively new chemotherapy drug, gefitinib (Iressa), approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2003 for the treatment of advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has been reported to cause acne or an acne-like eruption. We report an Asian female who presented with hundreds of erythematous papules and pustules on her face, chest, and back, all of which appeared after starting gefitinib to treat non-small cell lung cancer.