Perioperative management of dermatologic surgery patients on systemic cancer therapy
Megan H Trager1, Emily R Gordon2, Chelsea Handfield1
1Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Managing skin cancer surgery during cancer therapy requires careful planning. This review provides guidance on safely timing dermatologic surgery (DS) with systemic cancer treatments to minimize risks and optimize patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Increasing cancer survivors require dermatologic surgery (DS) during systemic therapy.
- Perioperative management for these patients is not well-defined.
- Balancing cancer treatment and surgical risks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review perioperative management strategies for oncology patients undergoing DS.
- To provide multidisciplinary guidance integrating expert recommendations.
- To address distinct considerations for various systemic cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of perioperative management strategies at a tertiary cancer center.
- Integration of FDA prescribing information and published data.
- Development of expert recommendations through multidisciplinary meetings.
Main Results:
- Recommendations cover targeted therapies, chemotherapies, immunomodulators, and more.
- Optimal management involves individualized decisions, lab assessment, and drug timing.
- Close postoperative monitoring is essential for patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Personalized, expert-based recommendations support safe perioperative care.
- Multidisciplinary guidance is needed for evolving systemic therapies.
- This review aims to aid clinicians caring for oncology patients undergoing DS.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...