Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center have unveiled a breakthrough topical gel, LUT014, that significantly alleviates the painful acne-like rash induced by anti-EGFR cancer therapies for colorectal cancer patients.
This innovative gel works by paradoxically reactivating the MAPK pathway in the skin—counteracting the shutdown caused by EGFR inhibitors—thereby restoring skin function and reducing inflammation without diminishing the anti-cancer potency of treatments like cetuximab and panitumumab. In what marks the first pharmacological strategy for this side effect in over twenty years, the phase 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 118 patients across 23 centers, underscoring the robustness of the findings.
Over a 28-day period, participants applied either a low-dose gel, a higher-dose LUT014 gel, or a placebo once daily to affected areas. Remarkably, nearly 70 percent of those on the higher-dose gel saw their rash severity scores improve by at least one level, compared to 48 percent in the low-dose group and only 33 percent in the placebo cohort. These improvements not only reflect better skin health but also translate into tangible gains in patient comfort and quality of life, as measured by validated dermatology life-quality indices.
The safety profile of LUT014 gel was excellent, with no serious adverse events linked to its use, suggesting patients can stay on their vital cancer therapies without interruption. “The findings offer the first real solution in two decades for managing this rash, which frequently impacts patients receiving targeted therapies for colorectal cancer,” noted Zev Wainberg, MD, highlighting the human impact of this advance.
By offering an easy-to-apply, locally acting treatment, LUT014 holds the promise of maintaining optimal cancer therapy dosing, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
This development directly addresses a common, debilitating side effect that often forces dose reductions or treatment discontinuations, compromising patient care. With an oral presentation at the AACR Annual meeting, the research community will soon learn more about how LUT014 could redefine supportive care in oncology.
For the full story on this exciting advance and detailed trial data, be sure to read the complete article on EurekAlert!
