Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research Chemotherapy and skin reactions
Research
Chemotherapy and skin reactions
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Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2012
Published: 28 May 2012Abstract (provisional)
Background
New chemotherapic agents and new protocols in oncology have led to an increasing survival
rate in patients affected by tumors. However, this increased use has been accompanied
by a growth in the incidence of cutaneous side effects and a worsening of patients'
quality of life. Appropriate management of skin toxicity associated with chemotherapic
agents is therefore necessary for suitable drug administration and to improve quality
of life and clinical outcomes.
Methods
We have clinically examined 100 patients affected by cancer, determining type, frequency,
treatment, and evolution of side effects related to chemotherapy.
Results
The prevalent cutaneous side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy are skin
rash, xerosis, pruritus, paronychia, hair abnormality, and mucositis. The clinical
cases are reported in detail.
Conclusion
Oncological therapies have become more selective and have low systemic toxicity because
of their high specificity, but cutaneous side effects are common and may worsen the
quality of life of these patients.
