Possible involvement of zinc deficiency in epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor?induced xerotic dermatitis

Cancer treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) often induces severe xerotic dermatitis. Various irritants facilitate development of dermatitis in skin. As zinc deficiency plays a role the irritant dermatitis, we measured serum levels 25 patients due to EGFRIs. Of these patients, nine were treated EGFR tyrosine kinase and 16 anti-EGFR antibody alone or combination other anticancer agents. Serum all lower than normal range >80 ?g/dL, mean ± SD level 56.4 11.7 ?g/dL. These correlated magnesium patients. is known be reduced by inhibition EGFR, similar mechanism may also involved decreasing level. Among 21 supplementation for more 2 months, markedly improved, an increase The five exhibited no significant improvement their skin condition, insufficient unstable levels. In conclusion, beneficial supportive care EGFRI-induced