Dermatologic Adverse Events in Oncologic Therapies

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2022 Dec;30(4):237-249.

Abstract

During recent decades, the number of patients diagnosed with cancer has been increasing. Conventional treatments, which comprise chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormonal treatment, represent improvements in effectiveness and safety of administration and continue to be the standard model of treating malignancies. Advances in oncology have enabled the development of newer therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. However, numerous adverse events continue to emerge, including dermatologic adverse events, which significantly impact the course of treatment, treatment outcomes, and patient quality of life. Alopecia occurs most commonly, along with mucositis, xerosis, pruritus, hyperpigmentation, acral erythema, nail changes, and many others. The early detection, monitoring, and adequate treatment of these adverse events could prevent reduction, interruption, or permanent discontinuation of oncologic therapies. Herein we review various dermatologic adverse events that may occur due to the therapy applied, present their possible treatments, and emphasize the need to evaluate their impact on patient quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / drug therapy
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions* / etiology
  • Drug Eruptions* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents