Side effects of systemic oncological therapies in dermatology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Personalized medicine, driven by the discovery of specific gene mutations (driver mutations), is central to modern cancer treatment.
• Targeted oral therapies offer a tolerable adverse event profile and are widely used in various healthcare settings.
• The introduction of BRAF inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib) and MEK inhibitors in melanoma treatment presents new challenges regarding side effect management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the most significant adverse events associated with current dermato-oncologic therapeutic agents.
• To equip dermatologists and oncologists with essential knowledge for managing novel side effects.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding and managing adverse events for optimized patient care in targeted cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of current dermato-oncologic therapeutic agents.
• Identification and summarization of key adverse events.
• Literature review focusing on targeted therapies like BRAF and MEK inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors, are associated with a specific spectrum of side effects.
• Vemurafenib, a selective BRAF inhibitor, was approved for metastatic melanoma treatment.
• Clinical trials are increasingly utilizing MEK inhibitors, highlighting the need for awareness of their associated adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of potential adverse events from targeted dermato-oncologic agents is critical.
• Effective management of these side effects is essential for successful patient care.
• This overview aims to support clinicians in navigating the evolving landscape of cancer treatment side effects.