Chemotherapy and the Skin: Understanding Dermatologic Side Effects

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) are frequent toxicities in cancer patients.
• These reactions vary in severity and can impact treatment adherence and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the spectrum of cADRs in a referral-based cohort.
• To evaluate the impact of dermatologic consultation and management on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational descriptive case series of 30 patients referred to dermatology.
• Data collected included demographics, cancer type, chemotherapy agents, cADR characteristics (latency, morphology, distribution, severity using CTCAE v5.0), and management strategies.
• Skin biopsies were performed as needed; descriptive statistics were used.

Main Results:

• Breast and GI cancers were most common. Taxanes, platinum compounds, and antimetabolites were frequent culprits.
• Predominant cADRs included hand-foot syndrome, maculopapular eruptions, alopecia, and nail changes, mostly CTCAE Grade I/II.
• Supportive dermatologic care led to favorable outcomes; 20% required dose modification, but none required permanent chemotherapy cessation.

Conclusions:

• cADRs present a wide clinical spectrum, often manageable with supportive dermatologic care.
• Early recognition of cADR patterns and dermatologic involvement are crucial for reducing morbidity and maintaining treatment continuity.
• Collaborative oncology-dermatology care pathways enhance patient outcomes during cancer therapy.