[Cutaneous side effects of targeted cancer drugs]

Hautarzt. 2017 Jan;68(1):12-18. doi: 10.1007/s00105-016-3902-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the past decades many new drugs were approved for the treatment of cancer and have been established as essential parts of various therapeutic regimens. In particular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors that aim at specific carcinogenic signaling pathways or modulate the tumor-immune response have revolutionized cancer therapy. Despite their targeted actions, these drugs may lead to diverse adverse reactions. In particular, cutaneous toxicities represent a serious threat to patients' quality of life and may lead to dose reduction or therapy cessation. In most cases, basic management is performed by the treating oncologist. Nevertheless, more severe reactions may require the expertise of a dermatologist. In this review, we present specific cutaneous adverse reactions of new drug classes such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-I), multikinase inhibitors (MKI), BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1-, anti-CTLA4-antibodies). Furthermore, we give recommendations concerning the prevention and management of respective cutaneous reactions.

Keywords: BRAF; Checkpoint; EGFR; MEK; PD1.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / classification*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Drug Eruptions / therapy*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents