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Dermatologic Adverse Events of Systemic Anticancer Therapies: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and
Alana Deutsch1, Nicole R Leboeuf2,3, Mario E Lacouture4
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Abstract:
Over the past 2 decades, rapid advancement in systemic anticancer therapeutics has led to astounding improvement in survival rates of patients with cancer. However, this celebrated progress has brought with it an evolving spectrum of drug toxicities that limit their prodigious capabilities. Cutaneous adverse events are of the most frequent of these toxicities, with substantial impact on quality of life and commonly resulting in dose reduction or change in therapy. Thus, familiarity with the array of dermatologic manifestations caused by these drugs is prudent for patient treatment. As such, the advent of dedicated oncodermatologists, and their introduction into multidisciplinary cancer care, has been crucial in optimizing treatment through therapeutic achievement and overall well-being. This review will address the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and management strategies of the major dermatologic adverse events of systemic anticancer agents, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Insights
Systemic anticancer therapies improve survival but cause frequent skin toxicities. Understanding and managing these dermatologic adverse events is crucial for patient care and treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic anticancer therapeutics have significantly improved cancer survival over the last 20 years.
- Advancements in cancer treatment are associated with a growing range of drug toxicities, particularly cutaneous adverse events.
- These skin toxicities negatively impact patient quality of life and often necessitate treatment modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and management of major dermatologic adverse events associated with systemic anticancer agents.
- To highlight the importance of oncodermatology within multidisciplinary cancer care teams.
- To provide clinicians with essential knowledge for managing drug-induced skin toxicities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of systemic anticancer agents and their dermatologic toxicities.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies.
- Synthesis of information on cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy-related skin reactions.
Main Results:
- Cutaneous adverse events are among the most common toxicities of systemic anticancer drugs.
- These events can lead to dose reductions or treatment changes, impacting therapeutic outcomes.
- Oncodermatology plays a vital role in optimizing cancer treatment and patient well-being.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with the spectrum of drug-induced skin toxicities is essential for effective patient management.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration, including oncodermatologists, is key to addressing these adverse events.
- Comprehensive understanding and management strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of dermatologic toxicities from modern cancer therapies.
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