I was in Houston visiting my father this weekend, I noticed he had the rash on the back of his neck. When I asked about it, he said his neck and his head itched a lot. His first dose of Erbitux was last Monday. He has another tomorrow.

I know everyone reacts differently but was wondering if there were some for sures - will the rash continue to get worse as treatment continues on; will it also develop on his face? Can he be assured the rash will hang with him until he finishes the Erbitux?

He put cortisone cream on the back of his neck and took some bendryl which helped his itchy head. Wished all boo boos could be helped so easily.

Please look at the link at the bottom of this page

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/treatment/targeted_therapies.htm

Also it is well documented, and in a recently posted news story on the OCF news site, that the rash response to Erbitux, is, while discomforting, a positive sign that the treatment is effective. In peer reviewed studies, those that had acute response in the form of a rash, also had the greatest success rates with the treatment.

Thanks Brian - that was a great article.

The article is excellent. There is so much up-to-date guidance in this foundation and forum: It is my top priority "go-to" for learning about head and neck cancer.

Suzee, I'm proud to say that I participated in the Phase 3 clinical trial for Erbitux in 2005. My medical team loved to see me "bloom!" Within the first week after my initial treatment I developed a few acne-like pustules on my face and with each treatment I blossomed with rash on my face, ears, scalp, neck, upper chest and upper back. I also had dry split skin on my heels and hands. These side effects did stay with me through treatment. Selsun Blue shampoo, lotion with SPF 30+ for my hands, aloe vera, and aquaphor were helpful. There may be more current "remedies" to help alleviate side effects now, and those who have had more recent Erbitux may be able to offer their assistance. I had radiation at the same time and a painful side effect occurred when my pustules stuck to my mask and opened when the mask was removed ~ yuck ~ but all worth it for my well-being and others who have come along this treatment path.

This is the most recent report of this rash phenomenon associated with Erbitux

http://oralcancernews.org/wp/rash-prediction-in-lung-cancer/

This is the news story a year ago as it relates to head and neck

http://oralcancernews.org/wp/presence-of-rash-associated-with-improved-survival-in-patients-receiving-adjuvant-Erbitux�-for-locally-advanced-head-and-neck-cancer

It seems to be a good thing to revisit those days of your adolescence if Erbitux is in your cocktail.