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.
138 citations
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February 2007 in “European journal of cancer” EGFR inhibitors often cause skin problems and other side effects, but these are usually reversible and can be managed to keep patients comfortable.
90 citations
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August 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” PRIDE syndrome includes skin and hair issues from cancer treatment with EGFR inhibitors.
116 citations
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December 2003 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica” Iressa often causes skin issues like acne and dryness in lung cancer patients.
6 citations
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April 2013 in “Current Dermatology Reports” Dermatologists are crucial for managing skin side effects in metastatic melanoma patients using vemurafenib and ipilimumab.
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.
278 citations
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May 2013 in “Ca” Targeted anticancer therapies can cause severe side effects similar to traditional chemotherapy, but with different types.
19 citations
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October 2016 in “Journal of oncology pharmacy practice” A cancer patient's hair became permanently curly after treatment with nivolumab.
16 citations
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October 2023 in “Molecular cancer” New treatments like nanotechnology show promise in improving skin cancer therapy.