Cutaneous adverse events in patients receiving anticancer therapy in a tertiary hospital setting: the old and the new

Abstract

Background Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are increasingly prescribed, but classic chemotherapy agents are still highly used in cancer treatment. Both therapies, the old and the new, are associated with cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) that can cause treatment interruptions or reduce the quality of life of patients. Methods An observational, cross‐sectional, single‐center study that included consecutive cancer patients presenting CAEs. The main objective was to describe CAEs derived from antineoplastic drugs. Secondary objectives were to determine the number and severity of CAEs and if there were differences regarding CAEs between conventional chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies. Results A total of 114 patients were included with a total number of 177 CAEs. Of the 114 patients, 64 presented a single CAE, 37 patients had two CAEs, and 13 patients presented three CAEs. The most frequent CAEs were pruritus, xerosis, palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), and alopecia. The majority of CAEs were mild (63.2%), followed by moderate (29.9%) and severe (6.7%) CAEs. Of the 114 patients, 103 (90.3%) received topical agents and 11 (9.7%) required systemic treatment for the management of CAEs. Prophylactic treatment for CAE was delivered to only 4/114 (3.5%) patients. No significant differences were found in the number or severity of CAEs between conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Conclusions Close collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists is essential to start preventive measures on time, enhance patient education, and avoid unnecessary dose reductions or treatment interruptions. The multidisciplinary approach can offer better management of skin toxicities.

An Emollient PLUS Balm Is Useful for the Management of Xerosis in Patients Treated for Cancer: A Real-World, Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study

“…In particular, anticancer therapy-related cutaneous AEs are linked to skin barrier dysfunction, which generally arises from altered proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes but can also occur as a result of disturbances to the sebaceous glands and/or cutaneous immune system [1][2][3][4][5]. Xerosis, which is characterized by dry, rough, cracked, and fissured skin, is among the most frequent skin reactions induced by anticancer treatments [6][7][8][9][10]. This skin condition is associated with significant psychosocial morbidity and impaired quality of life (QoL) due to symptoms (itching, sleep disturbance, etc.)…”

Experience of patients with lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions: A qualitative study

“…For example, the pain, pruritus, dryness, swelling, and numbness caused by skin ADRs could make patients physically uncomfortable, resulting in limited physical activity; moreover, the symptoms produced by skin ADRs could hurt patients psychologically, and detrimentally affect their self-esteem and mental health. Importantly, with the increase in psychological distress, patients tend to show a desperate and evasive attitude when coping with skin ADRs 23,24 . Other studies had shown that skin ADRs could make patients feel rejected and ashamed, leading to patients' social participation barriers (social avoidance and isolation) and reduced self-identity 25,26 .…”

Psychological considerations in oncodermatology: a patient cohort with unique challenges

“…We read with great interest the observational study on the spectrum of dermatological conditions in patients receiving anticancer therapy 1 . Oncodermatologists often have to manage the diverse cutaneous adverse effects of chemotherapy, which as Suh et al .…”

“…Oncodermatologists often have to manage the diverse cutaneous adverse effects of chemotherapy, which as Suh et al . have explored in the article , can have a significant effect on not only skin and mucosal membranes but also affect hair and nail 1 . This can be further compounded by complications of other concurrent treatments such as radiotherapy (e.g., dermatitis and ulceration) and surgery (e.g., complex wounds).…”