Dermatologic Adverse Events Associated With Chemotherapy and Targeted Anticancer Therapy

January 2016 in “ Dermatology Review ”

M Kowalska, Artur Kowalik, Stanisław Góźdż

EGFR inhibitors CTLA4 inhibitors ipilimumab BRAF inhibitors MEK inhibitors vismodegib hedgehog pathway inhibitor alopecia keratinocyte proliferation Stevens-Johnson syndrome hair loss skin rash skin changes nail impact hand-foot skin reaction

TLDR Cancer treatments often cause skin, nail, and hair problems.

Chemotherapeutic agents and targeted anticancer therapies were associated with various dermatologic adverse events, including toxic cutaneous reactions, papulopustular rash, and generalized maculopapular rash. EGFR inhibitors caused skin changes in 44–74% of patients, while CTLA4 inhibitors like ipilimumab led to rashes in 40–64% of patients. BRAF and MEK inhibitors for melanoma treatment also resulted in skin rashes and keratinocyte proliferation, leading to lesions. Vismodegib, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, caused reversible alopecia and dysgeusia. Common side effects included hand-foot skin reaction and serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These adverse effects also impacted nails and hair, with treatment varying based on severity, sometimes requiring therapy modification or discontinuation.