Cutaneous Adverse Reactions of Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients: A Clinicoepidemiological Study

Immunomodulatory effects of Diospyros peregrina fruit preparation (DFP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by utilizing dendritic cell-mediated antigen presentation and T helper (TH) cell differentiation

Diospyros peregrina is a dioecious plant which is native to India. It belongs to the family of Ebenaceae and is extensively used to treat various ailments, such as leucorrhoea and other uterine-related problems. Though few studies have been on D. peregrina for their anti-tumour response, little is known. Therefore, this intrigued us to understand its immunomodulator capabilities on various types of cancer extensively. Our primary focus is on NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer), which is ranked as the second largest form of cancer in the world, and the treatments demand non-invasive agents to target NSCLC effectively. In an objective to generate an efficient Lung Cancer Associated Antigen (LCA) specific anti-tumour immune response, LCA was presented using dendritic cells (DCs) in the presence of D. peregrina fruit preparation (DFP). Moreover, we also investigated DFP's role in the differentiation of T-helper (TH) cells. Therefore, this study aimed at better LCA presentation mediated by DFP by activating the LCA pulsed DCs and T helper cell differentiation for better immune response. DCs were pulsed with LCA for tumour antigen presentation in vitro, with and without DFP. Differentially pulsed DCs were irradiated to co-culture with autologous and allogeneic lymphocytes. Extracellular supernatants were collected for the estimation of cytokine levels by ELISA. LDH release assay was performed to test Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) mediated lung tumour cell cytotoxicity. Thus, DFP may be a potential vaccine to generate anti-LCA immune responses to restrict NSCLC.

Cutaneous Reactions Following Anticancer Drug Therapy in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction

Cutaneous reactions are dermatological abnormalities that can occur after anticancer drug therapy in cancer patients. Cutaneous reactions can range from mild dermatological disorders to life-threatening medical conditions and may worsen a patient's quality of life. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of cutaneous reactions following anticancer drug therapy in a tertiary care centre.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients following anticancer therapy in the outpatient department of dermatology of a tertiary care centre between 1 October 2021 to 30 December 2022. Convenience sampling was done. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.

Results

Among 3,288 patients, the prevalence of cutaneous reactions following anticancer drug therapy was seen in 73 (2.22%) cancer patients. The mean age was found to be 49.42±1.45 years. Anagen effluvium was the frequently observed cutaneous reaction (30.10%) followed by palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (19.94%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of cutaneous reactions following anticancer drug therapy among cancer patients was found to be lower as compared to the studies conducted in similar settings. An interdisciplinary approach is required to identify cutaneous reactions to anticancer therapy and to navigate change in the treatment plan.

Keywords

cancer; chemotherapy; drug side effects; skin.

Foot health and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used therapies for breast cancer, triggering important repercussions on people's quality of life. However, little research has been undertaken about podiatric adverse effects. This study aimed was to determine the prevalence of podiatric pathology developed in people with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy.

METHODS

Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology service of the A Coruña University Hospital (northwest Spain). People with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment of legal age (≥ 18), who signed the informed consent (n = 117) were included. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, disease and foot health variables, as well as two self-administered questionnaires (Foot Health Status Questionnaire and Foot Function Index) were studied. The current ethical-legal aspects were followed.

RESULTS

Foot health problems were highly prevalent, highlighting nail color changes (59.8%), onychocryptosis (39.7%), xerosis (62.4%), plantar fasciitis (12.8%), and neuropathic symptoms (75.2%). Some foot pain was presented in 77.8% of the sample, predominantly at nail level (15.4%) or sole of the foot and nail (14.5%). Most participants described their foot health as fair or poor (56.4%) and felt limited in walking (65.8%). The lowest score for the Foot Health Status Questionnaire was footwear (30.6(33.5)).

CONCLUSIONS

Foot health adverse effects represent worrisome problems in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, due to their high prevalence and negative implications on quality of life. These problems are critical as they may have implications for stopping or reducing chemotherapy. All these results call for the development of more research to contribute to the care and wellbeing of people with cancer who receive treatments such as chemotherapy. Thus, this line of research is a new path to be developed by the podiatry community.

Foot Health in People with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy has relevant implications for cancer patients' physical, social, and psychological health. Foot health has gained relevance in recent years due to its importance to independence and wellbeing, especially in chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the scope of the literature regarding foot health problems in people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR, Arksey and O'Malley, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Different databases were used (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed). A total of 4911 articles were identified. Finally, 11 papers were included.

RESULTS

Foot problems are relevant and deteriorate wellbeing. The prevalence of some podiatric pathologies is controversial. The main literature deals with hand-foot syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Focused instruments on foot health were not thoroughly used.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence on foot health problems and their influence on the quality of life of people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Even though a significant percentage of this population has a foot problem, its care and importance are neglected. More studies are needed to contribute to the care of people with cancer through foot health.

An Observational Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Patients on Chemo and Radiation Therapy for Internal Malignancies at Tertiary Care Center

CONTEXT

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy given to treat internal malignancies may cause cutaneous, hair, nail, and oral mucosal changes. The present study is an effort to know the pattern of cutaneous drug reactions with chemo and radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients of internal malignancies with skin lesions attending the dermatology and oncology OPD/ward were recruited after taking their written consent in vernacular language. A detailed history of skin lesions, malignancies, and treatment was taken. Clinical examination was carried out. Relevant investigations and biopsy were carried out as and when required. Being a descriptive study, age group and gender-wise frequency and percentage were calculated for the treatment of malignancies and dermatosis.

RESULTS

The study included 150 patients with 28 different types of internal malignancies, of which 127 (84.66%) patients were treated, 45 (35.43%) treated exclusively with chemotherapy, 16 (12.59%) with exclusive radiation therapy, and 66 (51.96%) with combined chemo and radiation therapy. Total 111 (87.41%) patients received chemotherapy and 82 (64.56%) patients received radiation therapy. Most common internal malignancy was breast carcinoma in 43 (28.67%) cases. Most common chemotherapeutic agent given was paclitaxel to 33 (29.73%) patients. Most common dermatosis associated with exclusive chemotherapy was hand-foot syndrome in 7 (15.55%) cases and with exclusive radiation therapy was radiation dermatitis in 8 (50%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The study was useful in understanding various chemo and radiation therapy-associated dermatosis so that early interventions can be done to prevent further treatment-related adverse effects.

LIMITATION

Small sample size and inability of pinpointing a single drug as the side effect.

Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced cutaneous side effects in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous side effects are commonly seen in cancer chemotherapy. As new chemotherapy drugs are developed, the frequency and the diversity of these cutaneous side effects increase. For this reason, identification and management of these side effects are an important part of the treatment of cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate mucocutaneous side effects of conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents that are used in cancer patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 231 cancer patients, who received single or combination chemotherapy at the oncology department of our hospital between 2013 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed, and mucocutaneous side effects we evaluated.

RESULTS

The ages of the patients varied between 27 and 90 years with a median age of 60 years. Of the patients, 136 (58.9%) were women, and 95 (41.1%) were men. Combination chemotherapy was applied to 174 patients (71.9%). Mucocutaneous side effects were present in 558 patients. The most common side effect was alopecia, which was observed in 158 patients (65.6%). This was followed by mucositis (39.4%), hand-foot syndrome (35.3%), papulopustular rash (22%), dermatitis (18.3%), xerosis (14.1%), nail disorders (12%), and others.

CONCLUSIONS

Although chemotherapy-induced cutaneous side effects are not usually life-threatening, they may lead to the development of morbidity and discontinuance or termination of the treatment. Therefore, these side effects should be well managed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

An observational study of cutaneous manifestations in internal malignancy at tertiary care centre

Introduction:

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and mirrors the changes in the organism it envelops. Internal malignancies can cause various specific and non-specific cutaneous manifestations along with hair, nail and oral mucosal changes. Some of the changes are detected early indicating a strong association with cancer, while some occur in later stage indicating dissemination or immunosuppression. The present study is an effort to know pattern of dermatosis associated with internal malignancies so that early diagnosis and interventions can be done.

Aim:

To determine the pattern of specific and non-specific dermatosis associated with internal malignancy.

Methods and Material:

Patients of internal malignancies with skin lesions attending dermatology and oncology department during July 2020 to June 2021 were recruited in the study after taking written informed consent. A detailed history of skin lesions and malignancies were taken. Clinical examination (skin/hair/nail) was carried out and photographs were taken. Relevant investigations were carried out. Frequency and percentage of dermographic data and dermatosis associated with internal malignancies were calculated.

Results:

The study included 150 patients with maximum number of patients 78 (52%) in 41-60 years of age group with female: male ratio of 1.2:1. Most common internal malignancy was breast carcinoma in 43 (28.67%) cases. Specific dermatosis were seen in 5 (3.33%) cases and non-specific dermatosis in 121 (80.66%) cases. Specific dermatosis were vasculitis, necrolytic migratory erythema, lymphocytoma cutis, growth and cutaneous metastasis with 1 (0.67%) patient each. Most common non-specific dermatosis was herpes zoster in 17 (11.33%) cases.

Conclusion:

The study was useful in understanding the various specific and non specific dermatosis associated with internal malignancies and thereby helping the physician to manage the conditions.

Cutaneous adverse events to systemic antineoplastic therapies: a retrospective study in a public oncologic hospital

Background

Mucocutaneous adverse events are common during anticancer treatment, with variable consequences for the patient and their therapeutic regimen.

Objective

To evaluate the most common adverse events, as well as the drugs associated with their appearance and the consequences for cancer treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out through the analysis of patients treated at the Clinical Dermatology Unit of a public oncologic hospital.

Results

A total of 138 patients with 200 adverse events were evaluated. The most commonly identified adverse events were nail and periungual changes (20%), papulopustular eruptions (13%), acneiform eruptions (12%), hand-foot syndrome (6.5%), hand-foot skin reaction (6%), and xerosis (6%). The most frequently associated antineoplastic treatment groups were classical chemotherapy (46.2%), target therapy (32.3%), and other non-antineoplastic drugs used in neoplasia protocols (16.5%). Of the total number of patients, 17.4% had their treatment suspended or changed due to a dermatological adverse event.

Study limitations

Retrospective study and analysis of patients who were referred for specialized dermatological examination only, not allowing the assessment of the actual incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

A wide variety of dermatological manifestations are secondary to antineoplastic treatment with several different drugs resulting, not rarely, in the interruption or modification of therapeutic regimens.

Cutaneous Toxicities in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy and Targeted Agents--An Observational Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Systemic chemotherapy and targeted agents are associated with various cutaneous toxicities. Even though cutaneous toxicities are manageable, it often results in treatment discontinuation and worsens the patients' quality of life.

AIM

The study aimed to determine the spectrum of cutaneous toxicities in patients receiving systemic chemotherapy and targeted agents for breast cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 250 out of 720 patients with breast cancer who developed various cutaneous toxicities to chemotherapeutic or targeted agents were included in the study.

RESULTS

Among 250 patients, 57 patients were on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 89 patients were on adjuvant chemotherapy, 68 were on palliative chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer and 36 were on targeted treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The most frequently affected site was hair (96%), followed by skin (92%), nail (34%), and mucosa (26%). The most common dermatological toxicity noticed in our study involved the hair in the form of chemotherapy induced alopecia (anagen effluvium) in 93.6%, followed by skin toxicity with generalized xerosis in 92% and, nail toxicity in 34%, and mucosal toxicity in 26%. The most common chemotherapeutic agent which caused frequent cutaneous toxicities in our patients was docetaxel followed by paclitaxel, capecitabine, doxorubicin, epirubicine, cyclophosphamide, 5-flurouracil and targeted agents like lapatinib, everolimus, and tamoxifen.

CONCLUSION

Cutaneous toxicities are common following systemic chemotherapy and targeted agents. Early recognition of cutaneous side effects of these agents and prompt early interventions can reduce the significant morbidity, cosmetic disfigurement, unnecessary treatment interruptions, and psychological distress in women treated for breast cancers.

Extensive Postchemotherapy Calcinosis Cutis in a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient With Spontaneous Resolution

We report the case of a 30-year-old woman with stage IV, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Baseline F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed lymphadenopathy with breasts and skeletal involvement. She received 3 cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy without significant adverse effects. Biochemical examinations before and after chemotherapies were unremarkable. InterimF-FDG PET/CT showed a partial treatment response. However, there was an appearance of FDG-avid coarse calcification in breasts. Cutaneous and subcutaneous regions of elbows, pelvis, and thighs showed similar calcifications. Posttherapy PET/CT showed a significant resolution of calcinosis cutis. This case presents a postchemotherapy idiopathic calcinosis cutis with rapid spontaneous resolution.

Paclitaxel-Induced Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia

Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is an uncommon adverse event with paclitaxel. We report a case of PPE due to paclitaxel to create awareness and review management strategies. A 61-year-old female with locally advanced lobular breast cancer was started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy with four cycles of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. She completed these chemotherapy cycles uneventfully and was started on weekly paclitaxel (80mg/m²) with a gap of two weeks. After receiving the sixth dose of paclitaxel, the patient presented with erythema, swelling, and discomfort of her hands and feet, interfering with her quality of life due to difficulty in carrying out daily routine activities. The changes were acute, occurred within a few days after the sixth dose of paclitaxel, and were consistent with PPE grade 2. Paclitaxel was discontinued, and the patient was switched to docetaxel every three weeks for two cycles. She used emollients and moisturizing creams for her local symptoms, after stopping paclitaxel, erythema, swelling, and discomfort of her hands and feet resolved within two weeks. She did not have a recurrence of these symptoms with docetaxel. Paclitaxel can cause PPE. Its incidence in the literature might be underreported. Discontinuation of paclitaxel can reverse skin toxicity and improve patient’s quality of life.

Cutaneous Adverse Events in Newly Approved FDA Non-cancer Drugs: A Systematic Review

The prevalence of cutaneous adverse events attributable to newly approved anti-cancer drugs has been well reviewed in the dermatologic literature. In contrast, over 75% of US Food and Drug Administration approvals in the past 5 years have been for non-cancer drugs and indications. This represents multiple other categories of approved medications associated with cutaneous adverse reactions. To investigate the cutaneous adverse events associated with these potentially neglected medications, a systematic review was conducted. Two hundred and forty-one medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed and 180 non-oncologic drugs were identified. The prescribing information for each medication was reviewed for the presence of cutaneous adverse events and a supplemental literature search was performed to better characterize any adverse events outlined within the prescribing information. Most reactions were classified as morbilliform, macular, popular, or maculopapular. Fortunately, only a few severe cutaneous adverse reactions were reported, namely in benznidazole, cannabidiol, and sofosbuvir. This review summarizes available data drawn from clinical trials and case reports involving cutaneous adverse events from the 21 non-oncologic medications associated with cutaneous adverse events.

Dermatologic adverse effects of breast cancer chemotherapy: a longitudinal prospective observational study with a review of literature

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer patients may experience an increased chance of survival with adjuvant chemotherapy. However dermatologic adverse effects can cause major discomfort due to physical or cosmetic problems. This study aims to describe dermatologic complications in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy.

METHODS

This longitudinal prospective observational study included data on women with non-metastatic breast cancer whom were treated with AC-T protocol (anthracycline, cyclophosphamide, and taxane) adjuvant chemotherapy and consecutively enrolled during two years. The study was performed in an educational and tertiary referral center. The patients' information including age, body mass index (BMI), past medical history, and different dermatologic complications were collected for all participants.

RESULTS

Of 190 enrolled women, all patients experienced alopecia, which occurred in 131 patients (68.9%) after the first cycle. Skin, mucosal, and nail involvement were respectively seen in 46 (24.2%), 51 (26.8%), and 86 (45.2%) cases. Cutaneous complications were observed mainly between the third and sixth chemotherapy cycles. Palmoplantar erythema and palmoplantar dysesthesia were the most common cutaneous complications. Dermatologic adverse effects were significantly more frequent in the patients with an underlying disease.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that dermatologic adverse effects of adjuvant chemotherapy are common and could be induced by all components of AC-T regimen. These complications should be skillfully managed to increase patients' comfort.

Diagnostic Workup and Evaluation of Patients with Prurigo Nodularis

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized oftentimes by symmetrically distributed, severely pruritic nodules. Currently, the pathophysiology of PN remains to be fully elucidated, but emerging evidence suggests that neuroimmune alterations play principal roles in the pathogenesis of PN. There are several associated etiologic factors thought to be associated with PN, including dermatoses, systemic, infectious, psychiatric, and neurologic conditions. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and etiologic factors of PN. In this review, we discuss common differential diagnoses of PN and recommend an evidence-based, standardized diagnostic evaluation for those with suspected PN.

Adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs derived from natural sources

Cancer, a life threatening disease adversely affects huge population worldwide. Naturally derived drug discovery has emerged as a potential pathway in search of anticancers. Natural products-based drugs are generally considered safe, compared to their synthetic counterparts. A systematic review on adverse drugs reactions (ADRs) of the anticancer natural products has not been performed till date. We reviewed anticancer drugs, derived from plants, microbes and marine sources with their mechanistic action and reported ADRs. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched through Boolean information retrieval method using keywords "natural products", "cancer", "herbal", "marine drugs" and "adverse drug reaction". We documented ADRs of natural products based anticancer agents, mechanisms of action and chemical structures. It was observed that majority of the natural products based anticancer drugs possess ample adverse effects, dominantly hematological toxicities, alopecia, neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. These findings deviate from the preconceived notion about safer nature of herbal drugs. We also came across some anti-cancer natural products with less/no reported adverse events like Cabazitaxel and Arglabin. Comprehensive pharmacovigilance studies are needed to report ADRs and thereby predicting safety of anti-cancer drugs, either originated from natural sources or chemically synthesized.

Asteriscus graveolens Extract in Combination with Cisplatin/Etoposide/Doxorubicin Suppresses Lymphoma Cell Growth through Induction of Caspase-3 Dependent Apoptosis

Chemotherapy drugs action against cancer is not selective, lead to adverse reactions and drug resistance. Combination therapies have proven more effective in defeating cancers. We hypothesize that plant extract/fraction contains many/several compounds and as such can target multiple pathways as cytotoxic agent and may also have chemo sensitizing activities. We designed a study in which, Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less (A. graveolens)-derived fraction that contains sesquiterpene lactone asteriscunolide isomers (AS) will be tested in combination with known chemotherapy drugs. Successful combination will permit to reduce chemotherapy drugs concentration and still get the same impact on cancer cells. Sesquiterpene lactone such as asteriscunolide isomers is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants with anti-cancer properties. The experiments presented here showed that adding plant fraction containing AS permit reducing the concentration of cisplatin/etoposide/doxorubicin in order to reduce mouse BS-24-1 lymphoma cells (BS-24-1 cells) survival. It involved enhancing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), activation of caspase-3 and inhibition of Topoisomerase I activity. Taken together, the results suggest that A. graveolens fraction sensitized BS-24-1 cells to cisplatin/etoposide/doxorubicin through induction of ROS and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.