TLDR Targeted therapies for advanced skin cancer often cause hair and nail problems, which need managing to avoid changing the treatment dose.
The study reviewed hair and nail adverse events associated with targeted therapies for metastatic melanoma, specifically focusing on drugs like vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib. These therapies, while effective in improving overall and progression-free survival rates in patients with BRAF mutations, were found to cause significant dermatologic side effects. The adverse events included changes in hair texture, hair loss, and various nail disorders. The findings highlighted the need for dermatologic monitoring and management in patients undergoing these treatments to improve their quality of life.
21 citations,
March 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Vemurafenib therapy can cause hair loss, but clobetasol propionate foam can help regrow hair.
192 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Targeted cancer therapies often cause serious skin problems that need careful management.
5 citations,
January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” The document concludes that a thorough history, physical exam, and specific tests are crucial for diagnosing and managing hair loss effectively.
31 citations,
March 2014 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” BRAF inhibitors for melanoma often cause skin side effects, but they can be managed with proper care.
17 citations,
November 2013 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Acitretin therapy may cause hair to repigment and curl.
82 citations,
March 2013 in “PLoS ONE” Vemurafenib causes skin side effects similar to RASopathies, requiring regular skin checks and UVA protection.
4 citations,
February 2001 in “PubMed” A medication called sodium valproate likely caused a girl's hair to become kinky and dry.
32 citations,
May 2016 in “European journal of dermatology/EJD. European journal of dermatology” Targeted therapies for advanced skin cancer often cause hair and nail problems, which need managing to avoid changing the treatment dose.
