Epidermal growth factor ointment improves the treatment of skin side effects in patients receiving treatment for colorectal cancer

This study investigated the effectiveness of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ointment to treat skin side effects in patients with colorectal cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor treatment. Researchers suggested that EGF ointment improves the outcomes and quality of life of these patients.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. EGF is essential for the growth and progression of cancer. Anti-EGF therapy (EGFR inhibitors) such as erlotinib (Tarceva), cetuximab (Erbitux), and afatinib (Giotrif) have been approved for cancer treatment alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation. 

EGF is also very important for skin balance and wound healing. The most common side effects associated to anti-tumor treatment with anti-EGF are skin conditions. These conditions affect the quality of life of the patient and can be the cause for stopping the treatment. Prior studies showed that EGF ointment is associated with improved outcomes for skin conditions. The effectiveness of this treatment for skin side effects of EGFR inhibitors for patients with cancer is not fully known.

This study included information about 80 patients with cancer treated with EGFR inhibitors. 9 had pancreatic cancer, 28 had lung cancer, and 43 had colorectal cancer. All patients had moderate to severe skin reactions from the cancer treatment. These patients were assigned to receive placebo (a drug with no effect in the body), EGF ointment in low dose or EGF ointment in high dose. Patients in the EGF group applied ointment 2 times daily. The effectiveness of the ointment was assessed after 2 weeks of treatment and then after every 4 weeks.

Responses to the treatment were 44.4% in the placebo group, 61.5% in the EGF low dose group and 77.8% in the EGF high dose. Quality of life was assessed for 74 patients. Patients treated with EGF ointment showed significant improvement in emotions and functioning.

This study concluded that EGF ointment improves skin complications in patients with colorectal cancer being treated with anti-EGFR drugs.

This was a small study. Larger studies are needed for stronger evidence.