[Supportive therapy and management of side effects in dermato-oncology]

Hautarzt. 2019 Dec;70(12):975-988. doi: 10.1007/s00105-019-04496-z.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the context of supportive therapy, possible complaints which may be caused by the cancer itself, by the antitumoral therapy or by psychosocial concerns are considered. Due to the introduction of new anticancer drugs in dermato-oncology, clinicians are confronted with a novel spectrum of adverse events. There are a number of inflammatory, immune-mediated side effects caused by immunotherapies, which can affect virtually any organ. Targeted therapies also have specific side effects. Basically, the management of adverse events depends on their severity. Besides treatment breaks and dosage modifications, immunotherapy-related adverse events are treated with systemic immunosuppressants. Supportive symptomatic therapy is offered. The additional consideration of psychosocial problems can improve quality of life of cancer patients.

Keywords: Dosage modifications; Immunotherapy; Quality of life; Targeted therapy; Treatment breaks.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents* / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents