REVIEW
Skin reactions to the new biologic anticancer drugs.
Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care 2009 December
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the clinical presentation and management of cutaneous side effects of some of the new targeted anticancer therapies.
RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in molecular biology have led to the development of pharmacologic agents that specifically target crucial molecules on malignant cells, or their surrounding cellular milieu (e.g. angiogenesis inhibitors), or both. Successful treatments for several solid tumors, including colorectal carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer and renal cell carcinoma, have recently been implemented as a result of these advances. Although these agents are generally much better tolerated than their cytotoxic predecessors, new groups of side effects have emerged, especially with regard to the skin. Multikinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and - in particular - antiepidermal growth factor inhibitors are associated with cutaneous reactions that may not only be dose limiting, but may significantly affect quality of life. The spectrum of these reactions ranges from disfiguring acneiform facial eruptions, to impaired wound healing, to disabling hand-foot syndromes, which can seriously impair mobility.
SUMMARY: The recognition, prevention and management of the cutaneous side effects of these targeted agents can allow successful continuation of antineoplastic therapy, and minimize patient distress.
RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in molecular biology have led to the development of pharmacologic agents that specifically target crucial molecules on malignant cells, or their surrounding cellular milieu (e.g. angiogenesis inhibitors), or both. Successful treatments for several solid tumors, including colorectal carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer and renal cell carcinoma, have recently been implemented as a result of these advances. Although these agents are generally much better tolerated than their cytotoxic predecessors, new groups of side effects have emerged, especially with regard to the skin. Multikinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and - in particular - antiepidermal growth factor inhibitors are associated with cutaneous reactions that may not only be dose limiting, but may significantly affect quality of life. The spectrum of these reactions ranges from disfiguring acneiform facial eruptions, to impaired wound healing, to disabling hand-foot syndromes, which can seriously impair mobility.
SUMMARY: The recognition, prevention and management of the cutaneous side effects of these targeted agents can allow successful continuation of antineoplastic therapy, and minimize patient distress.
Full text links
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
Read by QxMD is copyright © 2021 QxMD Software Inc. All rights reserved. By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app