Risk factors for skin rash among patients with cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Skin rash is the most common adverse effect in patients with cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), which can impair quality of life and lead to treatment discontinuation. Numerous primary studies have explored factors that may predict the development of skin rash. However, the wide range of variables and substantial heterogeneity among these studies limit the availability of high-quality, synthesised evidence. A comprehensive scoping review is therefore warranted to systematically map and synthesise the risk factors for EGFRI-induced skin rash in patients with cancer.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>This scoping review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. An initial search strategy was developed and piloted in PubMed. The comprehensive search will include PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Ultimate, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), SinoMed, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wanfang Database. Grey literature sources, including ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, will also be searched. All searches were conducted from database inception to 30 January 2026, restricted to human studies published in English or Chinese. All original quantitative studies, including cohort, case-control and cross-sectional designs, will be eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will screen studies for eligibility, extract relevant data and assess study quality. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Results will be presented in tabular and/or graphical formats, accompanied by a descriptive summary of the risk factors for EGFRI-induced skin rash.<h4>Ethics and dissemination</h4>This scoping review will rely exclusively on the collection and analysis of published and/or publicly available sources; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at scientific conferences and via digital science communication platforms.