Anticancer treatments and photosensitivity.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Drug-induced photosensitivity is a significant adverse event in cancer patients undergoing various treatments.
• Reactions range from phototoxicity to photoallergy, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review characteristic photosensitivity reactions associated with anticancer therapies.
• To discuss new-onset photosensitivity with targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and preventive photoprotective strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of photosensitivity reactions in cancer patients.
• Analysis of drug-induced photosensitivity across conventional, targeted, and immune-based anticancer treatments.
• Discussion of various photosensitive manifestations and contributing factors.

Main Results:

• Anticancer agents, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, frequently induce photosensitivity.
• Photosensitive reactions include phototoxicity, photoallergy, UV recall, and drug-induced lupus.
• Concomitant medications can complicate diagnosis and management.

Conclusions:

• Understanding diverse photosensitivity reactions is crucial for managing cancer patients.
• Early identification and patient education on photoprotection are essential.
• Continued surveillance for photosensitizing anticancer agents is necessary.