Dermatologic toxicities in epidermal growth factor receptor and multikinase inhibitors

Beth Eaby-Sandy1, Carolyn Grande1, Pamela Hallquist Viale1

  • 1Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Goleta, California.

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies offer significant advances but can cause unique skin toxicities. Managing these side effects is crucial for patients to continue treatment and achieve maximum clinical benefit.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapies represent a major advancement in cancer treatment across various tumor types.
  • These novel treatments are frequently associated with specific and sometimes severe dermatologic toxicities.
  • These toxicities can negatively impact patient quality of life and treatment adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significant dermatologic toxicities associated with targeted cancer therapies.
  • To emphasize the importance of managing these side effects for continued treatment.
  • To underscore the link between toxicity management and maximizing therapeutic benefit.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on targeted therapies and their dermatologic side effects.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data and case reports regarding treatment-related toxicities.
  • Synthesis of information on prevention and management strategies for these adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapies induce a spectrum of unique dermatologic adverse events.
  • Effective management strategies can mitigate the severity and impact of these toxicities.
  • Proactive intervention is key to preventing treatment discontinuation due to skin issues.

Conclusions:

  • Dermatologic toxicities are a common challenge in patients receiving targeted cancer therapies.
  • Preventive and management approaches are essential for patient tolerance and treatment success.
  • Addressing these side effects ensures patients can complete their therapy and gain maximum benefit.

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