Spotlight Commentary: Navigating the Cutaneous Side Effects of Chemotherapy
June 2025
in “
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
”
TLDR Chemotherapy often causes skin and hair issues, but early management can help improve patient care.
Chemotherapy and other anticancer therapies frequently cause cutaneous side effects, with alopecia being particularly common and affecting 50-100% of patients on certain regimens. Although usually reversible, alopecia can significantly impact patients' psychological well-being. Management strategies include scalp cooling and supportive care. Other side effects such as hand-foot syndrome, rashes, and nail changes also require specific management approaches. Hormonal therapies for breast and prostate cancers generally result in milder skin reactions. Effective management of these side effects is crucial for maintaining therapy efficacy and improving patients' quality of life, with emerging strategies focusing on personalized care and preventive measures.