Living with Lung Cancer
Protect Your Skin. Stay on Track with Your Treatment.
Are you starting an EGFR-targeted treatment that may affect your skin or nails?
Start Caring for Your Skin Before Problems Appear
Some EGFR-targeted lung cancer treatments can affect your skin and nails. Starting care early may help you manage these side effects and stay focused on your lung cancer treatment.
Skin and nail side effects can include rash, dry skin, or changes around the nails. Up to 86% of patients experience a rash with combination therapy. These reactions can be uncomfortable. If they become severe, they may lead to treatment delays or stopping treatment too soon.
Proactive Therapy Management (PTM) is a four-part routine that begins on the first day of treatment, before skin problems appear. It includes prescribed medicines and daily skin-care steps that work together to reduce moderate-to-severe skin and nail side effects.
Your oncology care team will determine which medicines and products are right for you.
Why Caring for Your Skin Early Matters
- Up to 86% of patients experience rash with combination therapy.
- 26% of patients experience Grade 3 severe skin reactions.
- Severe skin and nail reactions may cause your care team to reduce a dose, pause treatment, or stop a therapy. Starting skin care early may help reduce moderate-to-severe reactions.
PTM combines four medicines and skin-care steps. Your care team will help you understand how to use them together.
Your Four-Part PTM Routine
Get the PTM Patient Guide-
The PTM Regimen
Oral Antibiotic
Doxycycline or minocycline, taken twice daily for 12 weeks.
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The PTM Regimen
Topical Antibiotic
Clindamycin 1%, applied to affected areas.
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The PTM Regimen
Antibacterial Wash
Chlorhexidine 4%, for daily cleansing.
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The PTM Regimen
Daily Moisturizer
Ceramide-based, non-comedogenic formula, applied daily.
Talk with your oncology care team before beginning PTM. Your care team will prescribe or recommend the appropriate medicines, products, and instructions for you.
The PTM Timeline
Step 1
(Day 1)
Start All 4 Components Together
Begin the routine on your first day of therapy, before any rash appears.
Step 2
(Weeks 1–12)
Complete the Oral Antibiotic Course
Take twice daily for the full 12 weeks.
Step 3
(Ongoing)
Continue Topical Skin Care
Keep using topical antibiotic, antibacterial wash, and moisturizer throughout treatment.
Start PTM With a Plan
Get LCFA’s free PTM Patient & Caregiver Guide to help you understand the four-part regimen, prepare for treatment, and know what to discuss with your care team.
GET THE FREE GUIDE
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What to Watch For and When to Call
Check your skin and nails regularly. You do not need to decide how serious a reaction is on your own. If something is new, painful, spreading, or getting worse, contact your oncology care team.
PTM doesn’t replace watching for reactions — it works alongside regular monitoring.
Changes to Watch For
- Skin and nail changes during regular visits
- Whether reactions are stable, improving, or worsening
- Whether skin changes are mild, moderate, or severe
When to Contact the Care Team
- Any moderate-to-severe skin or nail reaction
- Reactions that are getting worse despite following the PTM regimen
- Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- Any reaction severe enough that you consider stopping treatment
Do not change or stop treatment on your own. Contact your oncology care team for guidance.
Questions Patients and Caregivers Often Ask
PTM begins before skin problems appear. Starting the routine on Day 1 can help reduce moderate-to-severe skin and nail reactions.
Once your care team explains each step, PTM can become part of your daily routine. Ask your team for written instructions if that would make the routine easier to follow.
Contact your care team right away. Reporting changes early can help your team manage your symptoms and support you during treatment.
No. Talk with your oncology care team before starting. Some components require a prescription, and your team should confirm the appropriate products and instructions.
Start Strong. Stay Informed.
Skin toxicity is common with EGFR-targeted therapy—but it can be managed proactively. Talk with your oncology care team about starting PTM on Day 1.
