Cutaneous reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapy for cancer: Part II. Targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Targeted cancer drugs are increasingly utilized, offering improved tolerance over traditional chemotherapy.
• These novel agents function by inhibiting specific cancer cell pathways.
• Cutaneous adverse events are common due to shared molecular targets in the skin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of cutaneous reactions associated with targeted cancer therapies.
• To inform dermatologists about these emerging treatment-related toxicities.
• To emphasize the importance of managing skin side effects in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of targeted anticancer agents and their dermatologic toxicities.
• Categorization of cutaneous reactions based on drug class (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors).
• Summary of specific skin manifestations linked to individual drugs.

Main Results:

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can cause edema and macular rash.
• Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are associated with papulopustular rash and PRIDE syndrome.
• Other agents like vismodegib, bortezomib, sunitinib, sorafenib, ipilimumab, and BRAF inhibitors induce various rashes, alopecia, and hand-foot skin reactions.

Conclusions:

• Targeted cancer therapies present a unique set of dermatologic side effects.
• Awareness and prompt management by dermatologists are crucial for patient care.
• Understanding these cutaneous reactions improves supportive care for cancer patients on novel treatments.