Dermatologic Reactions to Targeted Therapy

Abstract

Synopsis Cancer treatments usually have side effects of bone marrow depression, mucositis, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues. Rarely do we think of skin side effects until patients have been treated successfully with EGFRi as they commonly experienced skin reactions. Those skin reactions include papulopustular rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis enhancement, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis, fissures, and paronychia. This paper discusses the common skin reactions seen when using EGFRi. This paper presents an overview of skin as the largest and important organ of the body including an overview of skin assessment, pathophysiology of the skin reactions, nursing care involved and introduction to the emerging cancer nursing specialty of oncodermatology.

Renal cell carcinoma, part 3

“…The skin is a common source of discomfort for patients receiving immunotherapy and targeted therapy with TKIs. [24][25][26][27] Dry skin and pruritus are common. Patients receiving targeted therapy may also experience various rashes and lesions, photosensitivity, and hand-foot syndrome, which involves painful lesions on the palms and soles of the feet.…”

“…Patients receiving targeted therapy may also experience various rashes and lesions, photosensitivity, and hand-foot syndrome, which involves painful lesions on the palms and soles of the feet. [24][25][26][27] The earliest symptom of hand-foot syndrome are paresthesias of the hands and feet. See Educating patients about skin care for strategies to promote skin comfort.…”

“…See Educating patients about skin care for strategies to promote skin comfort. [24][25][26][27] Regardless of the stage of a patient' s RCC, the nurse must integrate critical thinking with assessment data. In addition, providing the patient with emotional support should be integral to the plan of care in a patient' s journey with RCC.…”

“…Counselors, psychologists, and support groups are often helpful. ■ Educating patients about skin care [24][25][26][27] Teach patients undergoing immunotherapy and targeted therapy these strategies to protect their skin and minimize adverse reactions such as pruritus.…”

“…The skin is a common source of discomfort for patients receiving immunotherapy and targeted therapy with TKIs 24-27. Dry skin and pruritus are common.…”