Dermatologic Side Effects of Systemic Targeted Anticancer Therapy
January 2018
in “
Springer eBooks
”
papulopustular rash folliculitis paronychia xerosis hair modifications anti-EGFR agents maculopapular eruptions pruritus alopecia pigmentary changes hand-foot skin reaction HFSR kit inhibitors bcr-abl inhibitors antiangiogenic agents RAF inhibitors MEK inhibitors mTOR inhibitors rash dry skin hair changes EGFR inhibitors itching hair loss skin color changes hand-foot syndrome KIT inhibitors BCR-ABL inhibitors angiogenesis inhibitors
TLDR Cancer treatments targeting specific cells often cause skin, hair, and nail problems, affecting patients' lives and requiring careful management.
The document from 2018 reviews the dermatologic side effects of systemic targeted anticancer therapies, highlighting that skin, hair, and nail changes are common and can significantly affect patients' quality of life. These side effects are especially relevant for newer targeted agents used over long periods. The paper emphasizes the importance of patient education on potential skin symptoms and the implementation of preventive and symptomatic measures to maintain treatment adherence and enhance quality of life. It calls for close collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists to manage these side effects. Specific adverse events discussed include papulopustular rash/folliculitis, paronychia, xerosis, hair modifications due to anti-EGFR agents, and skin manifestations like maculopapular eruptions, pruritus, alopecia, xerosis, pigmentary changes, and hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) associated with other targeted therapies such as kit and bcr-abl inhibitors, antiangiogenic agents, and RAF, MEK, and mTOR inhibitors. The document notes that many of these side effects are dose-dependent and reversible with treatment modification or discontinuation. It also covers the management of severe cases, which may involve dose adjustments or treatment discontinuation, and stresses the need for early recognition of serious adverse events that may necessitate treatment interruption.
