An Unusual Chemotherapy Side Effect
- A man diagnosed with stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer dealt with a rare side effect from his chemotherapy treatment that caused his eyelashes to grow wildly.
- The chemotherapy drug gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene that produces the EGFR protein. This protein sends signals to cancer cells, influencing their growth. Gefitinib blocks that signal to stop cancer cell growth.
- Gefitinib can cause side effects like dry skin, itchiness, and rashes. In rare cases, it can cause eyelash trichomegaly, a condition that causes the eyelash to grow 12 millimeters or more, curl up, and increase in thickness and pigmentation.
- Experts recommend patients diagnosed with eyelash trichomegaly keep their eyelashes trimmed to reduce the risk of further complications.
A man diagnosed with stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer found himself dealing with an unexpected and rare side effect from his chemotherapy treatment – abnormal eyelash growth.
A new report published in JAMA Dermatol examined the man’s case and highlighted the targeted drug gefitinib (brand name Iressa), which can cause eyelash trichomegaly. According to the National Institutes of Health, eyelash trichomegaly is a condition that causes the eyelash to grow 12 millimeters or more, curl up, and increase in thickness and pigmentation.
Helpful Colorectal Cancer Resources
What is Gefitinib, and what is it used for?
Research published in the International Journal of Trichology describes gefitinib as a “small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).”
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene produces the EGFR protein, which plays a role in the growth and division of normal cells. Mutant EGFR genes can produce unchecked cell growth and lead to the formation of several types of cancers.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) effectively target EGFR mutations in some cancers. These drugs include osimertinib (Tagrisso), erlotinib, and gefitinib. Targeted cancer drugs can change how cells work and help the body control cancer’s growth. In the case of gefitinib, it blocks tyrosine kinases (proteins) from sending signals to cancer cells, influencing cancer growth.
Gefitinib’s known side effects may include:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Rash
- Acne
- Mouth sores
- Weakness
In rarer cases, more severe side effects may also occur, including severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, eye pain, redness, or irritation.
In the case of eyelash trichomegaly, experts say that carefully trimming the eyelashes can reduce the risk of further complications.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, affects your large intestine (colon) or the end of your intestine (rectum).
The cancer starts when abnormal lumps called polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don’t have these polyps removed, they can sometimes change into cancer. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts.
WATCH: Common Misconceptions About Colon Cancer.
Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened. The screening usually involves a colonoscopy, in which a long, thin tube attached to a camera examines the colon and rectum. If no polyps are discovered, the next screening won’t be needed for about ten years.
“We know that colon cancers can be prevented when polyps are found early,” Dr. Yeo told SurvivorNet. “Lowering the screening age helps somewhat with this, but access to care is a real problem,” Yeo added.
The American Gastrointestinal Association lowered the recommended initial age for a colorectal screening from 50 to 45.
After diagnosis, a preliminary staging workup is done with imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, which can show whether the cancer has spread. If you have had surgery to remove your cancer, a pathologist will examine it under a microscope to determine your stage.
- Stage 1 cancers are those in which the tumor has only penetrated the superficial layers of the colon and hasn’t gotten into the deeper layers.
- Stage 2 cancers involve the deeper layers of the colon wall
- Stage 3 cancers have spread to the lymph nodes around the colon
- Stage 4 cancers have spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver)
Colon Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms
Despite the growing trend of more young people diagnosed with colon cancer, people older than 50 years old still are at the greatest risk, with this age group making up about 90% of the cases.
Other risk factors for developing colon cancer include:
- Having inflammatory bowel disease.
- Having a family history of colon cancer.
- Not exercising very often.
- Eating a diet high in meat.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Using excessive alcohol and tobacco.
WATCH: Recognizing colorectal cancer symptoms.
Colon cancer symptoms and warning signs include:
- Change in bowel movement
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling the bowel does not empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant abdominal pain or cramps
If you notice concerning symptoms or changes to your body, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor promptly.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, here are some questions you may ask your doctor.
- What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
- If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
- What support services are available to me? To my family?
- Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
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