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Fu L, Li M, Wang P, Chen L, Huang J, Zhang H. Clinical observation of topical antipruritic spray acting on epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of dermatitis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38390. [PMID: 39259063 PMCID: PMC11142818 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To observe the efficacy of topical antipruritic spray (TAS) in the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase-related rashes, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. 120 malignant tumor patients with confirmed pathological diagnosis and rash after EGFR application were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group of 60 cases and a control group of 60 cases. The 2 groups were intervened with self-made antipruritic spray and erythromycin ointment for 14 consecutive days. To observe the changes in rash, itching degree, and quality of life index of skin diseases in both groups of patients before and after treatment. The decrease in the number of itching cases in the experimental group reached 53.84%, and after 7 weeks of intervention, the total effective rate of rash treatment in this group of patients (91.67%) was significantly better than that in the control group (36.67%); The symptoms of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scale in the experimental group patient table after intervention showed significant changes compared to before intervention. After statistical testing, there was a significant difference between the groups and outside the group (R < 0.05). And the comprehensive effect of the experimental patients with external spray after 14 weeks of intervention reached 93.16%. The self-made antipruritic spray has significant effect on improving EGFR rash and itching, and there is no obvious adverse reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fu
- Department of Dermatology Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Meijiao Li
- Department of Dermatology Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Dermatology Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Lang Chen
- Department of Dermatology Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jianqiu Huang
- Department of Dermatology Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Du R, Wang X, Zhou H, Ma L, Larcher LM, Chen C, Wang T. The health-related quality of life of lung cancer patients with EGFR-TKI-related skin adverse drug reactions and its relationship with coping style and self-management. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9889-9899. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Du R, Yang H, Zhu J, Zhou H, Ma L, Amare Getu M, Chen C, Wang T. Experience of patients with lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions: A qualitative study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2022; 9:100115. [PMID: 36118625 PMCID: PMC9479359 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2022.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the experience of non-small-cell lung cancer patients with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions. Methods This is a descriptive quantitative study conducted in a comprehensive hospital in Henan, China. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions. In total, 23 patients were approached when the data were saturated. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by an independent researcher using a semi-structured interview guide. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed by qualitative inductive content analysis. Results Based on the analysis, four main categories were identified according to patients' descriptions of their experience: a lack of self-management ability, psychological and emotional problems, a barrier to social participation, and a need for social support. Suffering from persistent symptoms, insufficient knowledge, skills and strategies for skin adverse drug reaction management, psychological problems, social avoidance/withdrawal, and reduced willingness to work were core experiences that would affect patients' compliance with treatment, prognosis, and the overall quality of life. Conclusions This study revealed the real experience of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions which contributed to the development of targeted interventions to manage skin adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Du
- College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huashan Yang
- College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jizhe Zhu
- College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiyue Zhou
- College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lixia Ma
- School of Statistics, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Changying Chen
- Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- People’s Hospital of Hebi, Shijiazhuang, China
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Du R, Yang H, Zhou H, Ma L, Getu MA, Chen C, Wang T. The relationship between medication literacy and skin adverse reactions in non-small-cell lung cancer patients undergoing targeted EGFR-TKI therapy. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:491. [PMID: 35505288 PMCID: PMC9066960 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09599-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High medication literacy is the basis of rational medication application and is essential for the management of severe adverse drug reactions. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of medication literacy and determine the association between medication literacy and skin adverse drug reactions in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing targeted epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May to September 2020. In total, 296 NSCLC patients undergoing targeted EGFR-TKI therapy were recruited from hospitals in Henan, China. Structured questionnaires were used to evaluate skin adverse drug reactions and medication literacy. Pearson correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify the correlations between medication literacy and the severity of skin adverse drug reactions in the recruited patients. RESULTS The research sample consisted of 296 patients with a response rate of 92.5%. The mean score of skin adverse drug reactions and the mean score of medication literacy were 1.83 ± 0.91 and 6.54 ± 2.78, respectively. In total, 188 patients (63.5%) were considered to have moderate medication literacy. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, the following factors were associated with severe skin adverse drug reactions: age (B = - 3.929, P = 0.000), sex (B = -4.062, P = 0.000), educational level (B = 2.712, P = 0.002), comorbidity (B = 3.297, P = 0.001), eczema history (B = 2.996, P = 0.001), nutritional status (B = -4.891, P = 0.000), blood interleukin-6 level (B = -2.143, P = 0.013), blood high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (B = -4.015, P = 0.000), combination of drugs (B = -3.183, P = 0.048) and medication literacy (B = - 1.503, P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis showed that in addition to medication literacy, some other factors including education level, comorbidity, nutritional status, blood interleukin-6 level and combined drug application were common factors that contributed to various adverse skin drug reactions in NSCLC patients under targeted EGFR-TKI therapy. CONCLUSION The low medication literacy of the investigated NSCLC patients undergoing targeted EGFR-TKI therapy was correlated with a high proportion of severe skin adverse drug reactions. In addition, factors other than medication literacy including education level, comorbidity, nutritional status, blood interleukin-6 level and the combinatorial application of drugs were also related to the severity of various adverse skin drug reactions. A comprehensive and targeted intervention may be beneficial to improve medication literacy and control severe skin adverse drug reactions in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Du
- The College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
- Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Huashan Yang
- The College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Huiyue Zhou
- The College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Lixia Ma
- School of Statistics, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou, 450046 China
| | - Mikiyas Amare Getu
- The College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Changying Chen
- Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Tao Wang
- The College of Nursing and Health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6872 Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6872 Australia
- People’s Hospital of Hebi, Hebi, 458010 China
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Zhou H, Wang X, Yu D, Du R, Wang H, Zhu J, Zhang H, Chen C, Wang T. Adherence to Oral Targeted Anti-Lung Cancer Therapy: A Qualitative Interview Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:995-1004. [PMID: 35431541 PMCID: PMC9012231 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s341966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral targeted antineoplastic drugs (OTADs) are becoming more and more acceptable for lung cancer treatment due to their advantages such as the convenience of administration and milder side effects. However, medication adherence represents a major issue for prolonged OTAD treatment. In this study, the factors associated with treatment adherence to OTAD were explored through the Adherence Influencing Factor Framework suggested by WHO. Based on these results, we further examined the potential factors related to social psychological cognition in OTAD adherence in patients with lung cancer. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in public hospitals in Henan, China. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with selected lung cancer patients. Face-to-face interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. RESULTS Of the 21 patients interviewed, 17 were males and 4 were females. The analysis of the data led to four themes, ie, patient-related factors (medication-taking introspection, family structure, weigh the pros and cons of OTAD treatment), medication-related factors (medication experience, adverse reactions, information access), physician/nurse-related factors (shared decision making, doctor's reaction, nurse's inquiry) and society-related factors (fear, stigma). CONCLUSION Family structure, weigh the pros and cons of OTAD treatment, information access, shared decision making, nurse's inquiry are potential factors affecting OTAD adherence in lung cancer patients. Providing drug information support to patients, inviting patients to join in shared decision-making and strengthening doctor-patient-nurse cooperation are important for improving medication adherence. Further research should be conducted to help healthcare providers to promote the medication adherence of lung cancer patients to OTAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyue Zhou
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Gengral Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruofei Du
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huaisong Wang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jizhe Zhu
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoning Zhang
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changying Chen
- Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
- Changying Chen, Department of Quality Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Tao Wang
- Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, 6872, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6872, Australia
- Department of Oncology, People’s hospital of Hebi, Hebi, Henan, 458010, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Tao Wang, Nursing and Health School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Antonetti P, Fargnoli MC, Porzio G, Salvatore L, Filippi R, Ghidini M, Nigro O, Gelsomino F, Zurlo IV, Dell'Aquila E, Lombardi P, Keränen SR, Depetris I, Giampieri R, Morelli C, De Tursi M, Di Pietro FR, Zanaletti N, Vitale P, Garajova I, Spinelli GP, Zoratto F, Roberto M, Petrillo A, Aimar G, Cortellini A, Pensieri MV, Ficorella C, Ferri C, Parisi A. A multicenter study of skin toxicity management in patients with left-sided, RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with first-line anti-EGFR-based doublet regimen: is there room for improvement? Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:2455-2465. [PMID: 34779921 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06652-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin toxicity in patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors is well known. However, ad hoc ESMO guidelines have only recently been published. AIM AND METHODS To describe the management (pre-emptive or reactive) of anti-EGFR-related cutaneous adverse events (AEs), in a real-life clinical context, in a selected population of patients with left-sided, metastatic RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC treated with doublet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (i.e., panitumumab or cetuximab) as first-line regimen at 22 Institutions. The measured clinical outcomes were treatment-related adverse events, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Of 515 patients included in the analysis, 173 (33.6%) received a pre-emptive and 342 (66.4%) a reactive treatment. The median follow-up period for the overall population was 30.0 months. A significantly lower incidence of any grade acneiform rash was found in the pre-emptive compared to the reactive cohort both in the overall population (78.6% vs 94.4%, p < 0.001) and in patients treated with panitumumab (76.1% vs 93.7%, p < 0.001) or cetuximab (83.3% vs 95.4%, p = 0.004), respectively. A lower incidence of any grade (41.6% vs 50.9%, p = 0.047) but a higher incidence of G3-G4 (9.2% vs 4.7%, p = 0.042) paronychia/nail disorders were found in the pre-emptive compared to the reactive cohort. Nevertheless, a lower rate of patients within the reactive compared to the pre-emptive cohort was referred to dermatological counseling (21.4% vs 15.3%, respectively, p = 0.001). A higher rate of anti-EGFR therapy modification was needed in the pre-emptive compared to the reactive cohort (35.9% vs 41.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). The pre-emptive approach did not reduce the efficacy of antineoplastic therapy compared to the reactive in terms of ORR (69.2% vs 72.8%), median PFS (12.3 vs 13.0 months), and median OS (28.8 vs 33.5 months). CONCLUSION Although recommended by international guidelines, the pre-emptive approach of anti-EGFR-related skin toxicity in mCRC patients still appears less adopted in daily clinical practice, compared to the reactive one. A wider reception and application of this indication is desirable to improve patients' quality of life without compromising the continuity and efficacy of antineoplastic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Antonetti
- Dermatology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Dermatology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy. .,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Porzio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.,Medical Oncology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lisa Salvatore
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Filippi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy.,Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Centro Oncologico Ematologico Subalpino, Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Olga Nigro
- Medical Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabio Gelsomino
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Division of Oncology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Lombardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ilaria Depetris
- Medical Oncology, ASL TO4, Ospedale Civile di Ivrea, Ivrea, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giampieri
- Clinica Oncologica e Centro Regionale di Genetica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Morelli
- Medical Oncology Unit and PhD program in Systems and Experimental Medicine (XXXV cycle), Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele De Tursi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences and Center for Advance Studies and Technology (CAST), G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.,Clinical Oncology Unit, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Zanaletti
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G.Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Vitale
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Napoli, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Ingrid Garajova
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Spinelli
- UOC Territorial Oncology - AUSL Latina-CdS Aprilia - University of Rome "Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | | | - Michela Roberto
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Aimar
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Vittoria Pensieri
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.,Medical Oncology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Corrado Ficorella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.,Medical Oncology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferri
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Parisi
- Medical Oncology, St. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy.,Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Supportive oncodermatology-a narrative review of its utility and the way forward. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4931-4937. [PMID: 33712911 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06124-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Supportive oncodermatology is an interdisciplinary field, emerging due to increasing dermatological morbidity in patients with cancer and the recognition of the need for greater collaborative and integrated care to improve patient outcomes. These two unique fields (Oncology and Dermatology) may be integrated in various ways, such as through specialised combined clinics, protocols for expedited access, multidisciplinary groups and meetings, and the development of best practices guidelines. This narrative review consolidates the small but growing literature surrounding supportive oncodermatology; discusses the potential benefit and disadvantages, and areas for future research; and suggests a framework for implementation.
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Agirgol S, Çaytemel C, Pilanci KN. Dermatological side effects of targeted antineoplastic therapies: a prospective study. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2020; 39:380-384. [PMID: 33028137 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2020.1833028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRs) are chemotherapeutic agents used in multiple solid organ malignity. These medications have common dermatological side effects, particularly papulopustular (PPL) lesions. The management of the diagnosis and treatment processes for such side effects may facilitate the continuation of chemotherapy and enhance the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to report the cutaneous side effects of EGFR inhibitors and to share treatment methods for such side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective study, 59 patients using EGFR due to breast and colorectal carcinoma at the oncology unit of Haseki Training and Research Hospital were assessed. The patients for whom EGFR was initiated were examined at the beginning of the treatment at weeks 1 and 2, their demographic characteristics were recorded, and the patients who developed a skin rash were followed up from the onset of the lesion. The PPL side effects that developed in the patients and other dermatological findings were recorded. The PPL side effects were graded, and the treatment plans were reported. The study was conducted between February 2016 and February 2018 under the approval of the local ethical committee. RESULTS The mean age of the 59 patients (47 females, 12 males) taking EGFR inhibitors was 52.4 ± 12.0 (range: 29-84). Forty-five patients had early stage and 14 patients had advanced stage carcinoma. Fourteen patients had colorectal carcinoma, three patients had renal cancer, and 42 patients had breast cancer. Forty-two patients were using trastuzumab (single therapy in 29 patients and combined therapy in 13 patients), five patients were using cetuximab, three patients were using sunitinib, eight patients were using panitumumab, and six patients were using pertuzumab. In 22 patients, PPL side effects were observed in the skin; it was G1 in 19 patients and G2 in three patients. In seven patients who developed acneiform side effects, systemic doxycycline was used, and in others, topical tetracycline and clindamycin were used. Except for one patient using trastuzumab, all patients has lesions on the face, upper trunk, and back. One patient exhibited an atypical rash, which was diagnosed as a granulomatous follicular reaction. Xerosis was present in two cases, and paronychia, pyogenic granuloma, trichomegaly, and madarosis were observed in one patient each. The patients who developed an acneiform rash were treated with topical and systemic antibiotics, light keratolytics, and emollients. The skin side effects of all patients were mild to moderate, and all patients completed the chemotherapy process. An acneiform skin rash and other dermatological side effects are common with EGFR inhibitors. To treat these side effects, emollients, topical steroids, and local, systemic antibiotics are recommended. Clindamycin may be preferred as a topical treatment, and doxycycline may be preferred as a systematic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Agirgol
- Department of Dermatology, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceyda Çaytemel
- Department of Dermatology, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kezban Nur Pilanci
- Oncology Department, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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