Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Against Cancer: Their Safety in 216 Moroccan Patients
January 2021
in “
Journal of Cancer Therapy
”
TLDR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors are effective against cancer but can cause skin, digestive, and blood side effects, including hair loss.
In 2021, a study was conducted on 216 Moroccan patients to examine the safety of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), a treatment for advanced or metastatic forms of cancer. The study found that 43% of patients experienced skin-related side effects, 36% experienced digestive toxicity, and 33% experienced hematotoxicity. Notably, 65% of patients on anti-VEGFR treatment experienced hair loss (alopecia). Other hair damage included changes in hair texture and depigmentation, particularly with anti-EGFR and anti-VEGFR treatments. The study concluded that while TKIs are effective, they can cause several adverse effects, the mechanisms of which are still poorly understood. Further studies were recommended to understand the relationship between TKI toxicity and efficacy in the Moroccan population.