Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research |- Chemotherapy and skin reactions

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research  Chemotherapy and skin reactions

Research

Chemotherapy and skin reactions

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

 Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2012

Published: 28 May 2012

Abstract (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.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

Is Renal Thrombotic Angiopathy a Potential Problem in the Chronic Treatment of Ovarian Cancer?

UNC Kidney Center:  thrombotic microangiopathy
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Is Renal Thrombotic Angiopathy a Potential Problem in the Chronic Treatment of Ovarian Cancer?

"Treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer result in clinical
benefit and prolongation of survival times. However, our findings suggest that platinums, PLD (in large cumulative doses), bevacizumab, and possibly gemcitabine may result in cumulative kidney damage. Awareness of these long-term complications should open the way for studies on treatment strategies designed to minimize renal complications."

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objective

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, with most patients undergoing surgery followed by platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy. After initial clinical remission, the majority recur, leading to additional treatments, including not only platinums and taxanes but also pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), gemcitabine, topotecan, and, more recently, bevacizumab, which may extend survival times. PLD, in particular, has been extensively studied by our group, with encouraging therapeutic results. We, however, observed instances of chronic kidney disease (CKD) developing among patients who received long-term treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer. To document the frequency and contributing factors to the emergence of CKD, we initiated a retrospective review at two institutions.

(Kidney damage was defined by pathologic abnormalities
or markers of damage, including abnormalities on blood
and urine tests and radiologic studies.)

Patients and Methods. 

Fifty-six consecutive patients with recurrent ovarian cancer receiving treatment at New York University Cancer Institute were reviewed for the presence of renal disease in 1997–2010. At Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 73 consecutive patients with ovarian cancer were reviewed in 2002–2010. Patients were diagnosed with CKD if they had an estimated GFR <60 mL/minute per 1.73 m² for >3 months and were staged according to the National Kidney Foundation guidelines.

Results. 

Thirteen patients (23%) developed stage ≥3 CKD. Three patients had renal biopsies performed that showed thrombotic microangiopathy. 

Conclusions. 

CKD (chronic kidney disease) is emerging as a potential long-term consequence of current chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

• Chronic kidney disease
• Ovarian cancer
• Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
• Renal thrombotic microangiopathy

abstract: Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel in Recurrent Platinum Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

To evaluate the activity of gemcitabine and docetaxel in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods: 
Patients with platinum-resistant disease and prior treatment with paclitaxel received treatment with docetaxel on day 1 and gemcitabine on days 1 and 8, repeated every three weeks.

Results: 
Twenty patients, with a platinum-free interval of three months, were enrolled. Overall response rate was 25%. Treatment was associated with significant myelosuppression.

Conclusions: 
In chemotherapy-resistant patients, this regimen exhibited encouraging activity. Excessive myelosuppression led to early closure. This was prevented by administering docetaxel on day 8 (instead of day 1) and prophylactic use of G-CSF. (blood products)

abstract: Treatment of bevacizumab-induced hypertension by amlodipine. Invest New Drugs. 2012