TLDR New targeted cancer drugs can cause skin side effects, and managing them requires patient education and timely care.
The document reviewed the dermatologic adverse effects of new targeted small-molecule oral cancer therapies approved by the FDA between 2013 and 2018. It found that while these agents are generally less toxic than traditional chemotherapy, they can cause skin-related side effects such as rashes, palmar-plantar dysesthesia, alopecia, secondary skin malignancies, and changes to hair and nails. Severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare. The literature often lacks specific management strategies for these toxicities, but recommendations include skin monitoring, prophylactic management for palmar-plantar dysesthesia, and the use of corticosteroids or antihistamines. Dose interruption may also be necessary. The authors emphasize the importance of patient education and timely intervention to optimize treatment.
3 citations
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November 2018 in “Oncology issues” Cancer survivors often experience worse skin problems from treatment than expected, and working with dermatologists could help improve their condition.
2 citations
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December 2015 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Targeted anticancer therapies often cause skin issues, affecting treatment adherence and quality of life.
44 citations
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September 2015 in “Annals of Oncology” Targeted cancer therapies have a significant but lower risk of causing hair loss compared to chemotherapy.
2 citations
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October 2018 in “Springer eBooks” Cancer treatments can cause skin-related side effects that may affect patient quality of life and require changes in treatment.
88 citations
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July 2014 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Targeted cancer therapies often cause skin reactions, so dermatologists must manage these effects.
275 citations
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March 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Chemotherapy can cause various skin reactions, with hair loss being the most common, and proper diagnosis and treatment of these reactions are important.
5 citations
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August 2025 in “Biomedicines” Early detection and multidisciplinary management of skin and mouth side effects from breast cancer treatments improve patient outcomes.
55 citations
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November 2004 in “Expert opinion on drug safety” Chemotherapy often causes hair loss, nail changes, and mouth issues, but these are usually manageable.
