Nail toxicity associated with anticancer agents

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer mortality has decreased due to targeted therapies.
• Nail toxicities are common but often underrecognized side effects of chemotherapy.
• These toxicities result from damage to rapidly dividing nail matrix keratinocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms, clinical presentations, and management of chemotherapy-induced nail toxicities.
• To emphasize the importance of prevention strategies for nail complications.
• To highlight the need for improved onco-dermatologic awareness and research.

Main Methods:

• Clinical review of existing literature on chemotherapy-induced nail toxicities.
• Discussion of preventive measures such as avoiding nail trauma and using emollients.
• Evaluation of interventions like cryotherapy (frozen gloves/socks).

Main Results:

• Preventive measures like regular nail care and cuticle emollients are crucial.
• Cryotherapy shows efficacy in reducing nail toxicities, particularly with taxane-based chemotherapy.
• Effective management is essential to prevent treatment delays or discontinuation.

Conclusions:

• Nail toxicities significantly impact patient morbidity and quality of life.
• Proactive management and prevention are key to maintaining cancer treatment adherence.
• Further research and onco-dermatologic collaboration are needed for optimal guidelines.