Doxycycline for prevention of erlotinib-induced rash in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of first-line chemotherapy: A randomized, open-label trial

Background Rash is a common epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced toxicity that can impair quality of life and treatment compliance. Objective We sought to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline in preventing erlotinib-induced rash (folliculitis) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods This open-label, randomized, prospective, phase II trial was conducted in 147 patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer progressing after first-line chemotherapy, randomized for 4 months with erlotinib alone 150 mg/d per os (control arm) or combined with doxycycline 100 mg/d (doxycycline arm). Incidence and severity of rash, compliance, survival, and safety were assessed. Results Baseline characteristics of the 147 patients were well balanced in the intent-to-treat population. Folliculitis occurred in 71% of patients in the doxycycline arm and 81% in the control arm (P =.175). The severity of folliculitis and other skin lesions was lower in the doxycycline arm compared with the control arm. Other adverse events were reported at a similar frequency across arms. There was no significant difference in survival between treatment arms. Limitations The open-label design of the study and the duration of the treatment with doxycycline are limitations. Conclusion Doxycycline did not reduce the incidence of erlotinib-induced folliculitis, but significantly reduced its severity.