[Clinical care of lung cancer patients with body image changes after targeted therapy]

Lung cancer has a relatively short survival prognosis and advanced disease progression. Therefore, targeted therapy has become one of the most frequent treatments of this disease. Targeted therapy has several features that effectively extend the survival period; is easy to apply and use; and has fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Therefore, this therapy approach has become the preferred choice of patients with advanced lung cancer. However, current targeted therapies like Iressa and Tarceva produce side effects such as skin dryness and acneiform eruption that may bother patients. These side effects may further cause patient concern over negative changes in their body image, and these concerns may influence their work and social lives. Additionally, some patients treated with targeted therapy worry about their chances of survival if they reduce or stop the medication to avoid the side effects. Consequently, patients may struggle with both physical and psychological impacts, and may have problems sustaining a good quality of life. This article focuses on delivering relevant information to patients receiving targeted therapy who suffer from dermatological toxicity and damage to their body image. We demonstrate an assessment tool and information to help patients cope with physical and psychosocial issues through daily skin care routines, mental / psychological supports, and cognitive behavior therapy. These measures may help patients rebuild a positive self-concept. We plan to develop further associated training to provide professionals / care providers with the appropriate knowledge and skills to care for cancer patients in a resource-limited environment so that they may improve the quality of nursing care for patients with body image changes.