Chemotherapy-Induced Dermatological Toxicity: Frequencies and Impact on Quality of Life in Women’s Cancers. Results of a Prospective Study
August 2007
in “
Supportive care in cancer
”
TLDR Chemotherapy often causes skin, nail, and hair side effects, significantly impacting quality of life.
The study investigated the prevalence and impact of dermatological side effects from chemotherapy in 91 women with advanced cancers. It found that 86.8% of patients experienced skin, nail, and hair side effects, with 75.8% developing hair loss, 23.1% experiencing nail changes, and 18.7% developing palmo-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). These side effects significantly affected patients' quality of life, with skin changes being the most frequently reported unpleasant side effect. The study concluded that dermatological side effects from chemotherapy were common and had a major impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for patient counseling and consideration of side effect profiles when planning chemotherapy regimens.
