Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

[Skin manifestations of new targeted treatments]

M Hello1, S Barbarot, J Connault

  • 1Service de médecine interne, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France. muriel.hello@chu-nantes.fr

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|March 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies can cause specific skin side effects. Careful patient monitoring is crucial for managing these common cutaneous adverse events associated with new biologic treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • These novel therapies are associated with a range of cutaneous adverse events.
  • Understanding these specific dermatologic toxicities is essential for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize common and specific cutaneous adverse events linked to emerging targeted cancer treatments.
  • To highlight the importance of monitoring patients undergoing these therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recently developed targeted treatments and their associated skin reactions.
  • Categorization of adverse events based on drug class and mechanism of action.

Main Results:

  • Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNFα) therapies are linked to paradoxical psoriasiform eruptions.
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors can cause papulopustular eruptions and paronychias.
  • Multitargeted kinase inhibitors, such as sorafenib and sunitinib, are associated with hand-foot skin reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Specific cutaneous adverse events are characteristic of particular targeted therapies.
  • Vigilant dermatological monitoring is necessary for patients receiving these advanced biologic treatments.
  • Proactive management of skin toxicities can improve patient outcomes and treatment adherence.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...