Adverse Cutaneous Reactions to Chemotherapeutic Agents and Cytokine Therapy

The 1996 document reviewed adverse skin reactions caused by chemotherapeutic agents and cytokine therapy. It detailed specific reactions like acral erythemas, flushing, and nonspecific reactions with histological features such as neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis. Pigmented transverse nail bands were common with chemotherapy, and alopecia was a feared side effect, particularly from anthracyclines and alkylating agents. A study with 20 patients showed that topical minoxidil could significantly decrease the duration of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Hydroxyurea was linked to various skin reactions including alopecia, while L-Asparaginase had a high risk of hypersensitivity reactions, which could be mitigated with glucocorticoids. Taxol had a 10% risk of hypersensitivity, often due to its solubilizing agent. Suramin caused skin reactions and keratoacanthomas, some with HPV type 18. Preservatives and stabilizers in drugs could also cause hypersensitivity, indicating a need for alternative formulations. Cytokine therapy was associated with skin reactions like alopecia, erythema, and exacerbation of conditions like psoriasis. The document also noted that rIL-2 therapy could lead to autoimmune diseases and that rIL-3 could cause facial flushing and hemorrhagic eruptions. It did not specify the number of people in the study, as it was a review of multiple cases and studies.