[Drug reactions caused by chemotherapy agents]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Novel targeted cancer therapies, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), multikinase inhibitors (MKIs), BRAF inhibitors (BRAFIs), mTOR inhibitors (mTORIs), and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are increasingly used in cancer treatment.
• These agents offer improved safety profiles over traditional chemotherapy by targeting specific pathways or enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
• Cutaneous reactions are a significant class-specific side effect of these novel anticancer drugs, occurring in a time-dependent manner.

Purpose:

• To review and compare the spectrum of cutaneous side effects associated with different classes of novel targeted anticancer agents.
• To discuss the management strategies for these treatment-related skin toxicities, adapted to their severity.

Summary:

• This review systematically compares the dermatological side effects of EGFRIs, MKIs, BRAFIs, mTORIs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• It highlights the class-specific patterns and time-dependent nature of these cutaneous reactions.
• Evidence-based, severity-adapted management approaches are discussed for each drug class.

Impact:

• Provides oncologists and dermatologists with a comprehensive overview of potential skin toxicities from targeted cancer therapies.
• Facilitates better patient management and adherence to treatment by addressing common and significant side effects.
• Aids in the development of standardized protocols for managing drug-induced dermatological adverse events in cancer patients.