Abstracts
Events and reactions involving chemotherapy are common in clinical oncology. Chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in therapy. Side effects range from the common to the rare and may be confused with other mucocutaneous manifestations resulting from the oncological treatment. The objective of this paper was to present data on skin reactions to chemotherapy, particularly those cases in which the dermatologist is requested to issue a report and asked to comment on the safety and viability of readministration of a specific drug. The authors describe aspects associated with these events, presenting a detailed analysis of each one of them.
Chemotherapy, adjuvant; Drug therapy; Drug therapy, combination; Skin; Skin abnormalities; Skin pigmentation
Os eventos e reações envolvendo quimioterapia são frequentes na prática oncológica. Agentes quimioterápicos são uma modalidade de tratamento amplamente utilizada. Efeitos colaterais podem variar de frequência e também ser confundidos com outras manifestações tegumentares do tratamento oncológico. Este artigo objetiva expor as informações sobre reações cutâneas à quimioterapia, em especial, aqueles para os quais o dermatologista é requisitado a emitir parecer e a comentar sobre a segurança e a viabilidade da readministração de uma droga específica. Os autores descrevem os aspectos associados a esses eventos, fazendo uma análise detalhada de cada um deles.
Anormalidades da pele; Quimioterapia; Quimioterapia adjuvante; Quimioterapia combinada; Pele
CONTINUED MEDICAL EDUCATION
IDoctorate in Sciences awarded by the Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Assistant physician, Clinical Dermatology Division and Investigator, Medical Research Laboratory (LIM53), Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
IIPreceptor, Department of Dermatology, Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
IIICurrently participating in a Master's Degree Program, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Physician, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
IVPreceptor, Division of Clinical Oncology, São Paulo Institute of Cancer, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
VPhysician and faculty member, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Associate Professor of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Mailing address
ABSTRACT
Events and reactions involving chemotherapy are common in clinical oncology. Chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in therapy. Side effects range from the common to the rare and may be confused with other mucocutaneous manifestations resulting from the oncological treatment. The objective of this paper was to present data on skin reactions to chemotherapy, particularly those cases in which the dermatologist is requested to issue a report and asked to comment on the safety and viability of readministration of a specific drug. The authors describe aspects associated with these events, presenting a detailed analysis of each one of them.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, adjuvant ; Drug therapy; Drug therapy, combination; Skin; Skin abnormalities; Skin pigmentation
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of the oncology patient requires knowledge of the primary disease as well as the expected effects and side effects of the medication used. The variety of drugs in general, including immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drugs, and the general health of the patient, who is often debilitated, must be taken into account in the routine evaluation of this group of patients. These drugs interact with the skin in various ways and many of the chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with particular clinical presentations. Familiarization with these manifestations is essential in order to assure that the patient using these drugs is correctly evaluated. An accurate diagnosis is important in guaranteeing that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment and to evaluate whether the drug in question should be discontinued or switched. This paper presents the second part of a review of the mucocutaneous adverse reactions associated with the use of antineoplastic agents (Table 1).
EPIDERMAL, DERMAL AND COLLAGEN-RELATED ABNORMALITIES
Intertrigo-like eruption
Also referred to as epidermal dysmaturation, this condition is characterized by erythema and maceration of intertriginous areas (Figure 1), often complicated by candidiasis or bacterial infection. It may appear as a side effect of the use of liposomal doxorubicin (8%) or dactinomycin. 1 The lesions may be treated with astringent compresses and topical corticosteroids associated with antibiotics and antifungal medication. 2
Hyperpigmentation
This is a common adverse effect of chemotherapeutic agents and may affect the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. 3 The area affected may be localized or diffuse. 4 Pigmentation may follow a specific pattern that correlates with anatomical distribution or the type of drug or may correspond to a site of contact with external material such as occlusive dressings. Hyperpigmentation of the skin may be secondary to an increase in the quantity of melanin, carotene or hemoglobin. 5 In the case of hyperpigmentation induced by chemotherapeutic drugs, the mechanisms still remain to be clarified. The exact physiopathology probably varies depending on the drug in question. Tables 2 and 3 show the drugs involved and the course of the adverse reaction. 6 There is no specific treatment for hyperpigmentation. The condition usually disappears some months or years after discontinuation of the drug that triggered the effect. 7
Autoimmune reactions
Clinical conditions such as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma-like reactions may be associated with the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), bleomycin, hydroxyurea and taxanes, as well as dermatomyositis-like lesions due to hydroxyurea. 8-10
Inflammation of preexisting keratoses
Selective inflammation of actinic and seborrheic keratoses, even if subclinical or nonapparent, may occur with the use of certain chemotherapeutic agents. 11 The drug most commonly associated with inflammation of actinic keratoses is 5-FU when used systemically. The physiopathogenesis of the condition is unknown; however, it is speculated that dysplastic keratinocytes may become more sensitive to cytotoxic agents because of an increase in the quantity of DNA damaged by ultraviolet radiation (inside and around the actinic keratosis). Another possibility is radiation recall dermatitis. The inflammation in seborrheic keratoses may occur following administration of cytarabine and may trigger the appearance of a squamous cell carcinoma following the use of fludarabine. Capecitabine is another agent responsible for inflammation of actinic keratoses. 11
Clinically, actinic keratosis and seborrheic lesions become inflamed, erythematous and pruriginous (Figure 2). The reaction always occurs in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, generally in the first week following chemotherapy. Regression of the inflammation occurs 1-4 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. Relief of the symptoms may be obtained with the use of topical corticosteroids of low to moderate potency. Discontinuation of chemotherapy is not indicated, since the reaction may be self-limiting and may even have a beneficial therapeutic effect. The drugs associated with inflammation of lesions of actinic keratoses are: docetaxel, doxorubicin, 5-FU, pentostatin, dactinomycin, vincristine, dacarbazine, cytarabine, 6-thioguanine, sorafenib and cisplatin. Cytarabine and gemcitabine are associated with seborrheic keratoses. 12,13
Leg ulceration
Ulcerated lesions of the lower limbs may develop with the use of hydroxyurea, methotrexate, cisplatin, gemcitabine and rituximab. 14,15
VASCULAR CHANGES
Vasomotor changes
Various vascular alterations have been described, probably as a result of a direct effect on arterial smooth muscle fibers or by acting on the autonomic nervous system. 3 Manifestations may include blood vessel spasms with livedo, Raynaud's phenomenon and distal necroses, which may be triggered by bleomycin and cisplatin. 16 Vasodilatation with erythema and flushing may result from the use of bleomycin, cisplatin, asparaginase, dacarbazine, taxanes, 5-FU, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, gefitinib and carmustine. 17,18
Flushing
Flushing consists of a temporary erythema of the face, neck, upper chest, ears or upper abdomen. The mechanism responsible for flushing is a transitory vasodilation mediated by the autonomic nervous system or by the direct effect of circulating substances that act on the musculature of the vessel walls. The nerves of the autonomic nervous system also control the sweat glands so that flushing mediated by these nerves is known as "wet flushing", whereas when the substance acts directly on the vascular wall muscles it is known as "dry flushing". 19 Derivatives of biological agents such as L-asparaginase and bleomycin are notorious for causing flushing, which occurs soon after infusion. 20 Irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, causes dysautonomia, the symptoms of which include diarrhea, bradycardia and flushing. 21 Hormonal agents such as antiestrogens (tamoxifen, anastrozole), LHRH analogs (leuprolide) and antiandrogens (flutamide and diethylstilbestrol) may result in flushing. Other agents that also deserve mention include: 5-FU, carboplatin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, dacarbazine, doxorubicin, etoposide and methotrexate. 22,23
INTERACTIONS WITH RADIATION
Interaction with ultraviolet (UV) light
Eruptions due to photosensitivity are caused by various agents, principally following exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (Table 4). Phototoxicity caused by dacarbazine, fluoropyrimidines (systemic 5-FU, topical 5-FU, tegafur and capecitabine) and vinblastine has been well-documented. 24 Phototoxicity caused by dactinomycin, doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, procarbazine, brequinar sodium, mitomycin, 6- thioguanine and flutamide, as well as by the porphyrin compounds that are used in photodynamic therapy, is uncommon. 25,26
Reactivation of sunburn is a well-documented adverse effect following the use of methotrexate (MTX). It occurs when the drug is administered 1-3 days after exposure to UV radiation, when the erythema from the previous exposure has been in the process of disappearing. 27 Leucovorin does not prevent this reaction. Phototoxic reactions resemble intense sunburn in areas of the skin that are exposed to light, with erythema, edema, pain or pruritus. Blisters may be present and desquamation may occur in severe cases. Residual hyperpigmentation may persist for months. Diagnosis is made according to the distribution of the lesions and by the temporal relationship between chemotherapy and light exposure. Treatment includes discontinuation of the agent and protection from the sun for at least two weeks. Physical sunscreens are recommended. Cold compresses, systemic antihistamines and topical or oral corticosteroids are used as associated symptomatic treatment. 28
Radiation recall
This is a phenomenon in which the chemotherapeutic agent induces an inflammatory reaction in an area previously exposed to radiation. These reactions are predominantly cutaneous; however, they may affect internal organs such as the lungs, heart, bladder mucosa, esophagus, oral or bowel mucosa and supraglottic larynx. It occurs more often with the use of doxorubicin, dactinomycin and gemcitabine and is less common with bleomycin, etoposide, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, trimetrexate, vinblastine, 5-fluorouracil, lomustine, daunorubicin, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, docetaxel, edatrexate, idarubicin, paclitaxel, tamoxifen and vinblastine. 29-31
The mechanism of radiation recall is unknown but it is probably related to DNA repair. Relapsing dermatitis or radiation recall may occur between 8 and 15 days following radiotherapy and generally appears hours to days after administration of the chemotherapeutic agent. Clinically, the patient may or may not experience a painful erythema with or without vesiculation, edema, desquamation and pruritus. The borders of the lesion are well defined and correspond to the exact site at which the radiation was applied. In severe cases, necrosis and ulceration may occur. The severity appears to directly reflect the brevity between radiation and chemotherapy as well as the doses of both radiation and chemotherapy. The reaction improves spontaneously within hours or weeks following cessation of chemotherapy, treatment being symptomatic. The use of systemic corticosteroids associated with the discontinuation of chemotherapy generally results in a marked improvement and may permit reintroduction of the treatment. 32
Exacerbation of radiation
This occurs when a chemotherapeutic agent increases the toxicity of radiotherapy. This phenomenon may occur in virtually all the organs of the body including the skin, mucosa, esophagus, lungs, heart, digestive tract, kidneys, liver, brain, bladder and eyes. The agents most associated with exacerbation of radiation are bleomycin, gemcitabine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, 6-mercaptopurine, oxyplatin and methotrexate. 33,34 Clinically, the reaction resembles residual dermatitis secondary to acute dermatitis from radiation, with erythema, edema, vesiculation, blisters or erosions. The reaction generally appears at the site of radiation; however, the area affected may be more extensive. Severe mucositis may occur. The reaction is associated with the dose, the type of drug used and the sequence of time between radiation and the use of chemotherapy. 35 Toxicity may be additive or supra-additive (synergic). In supra-additive toxicity, the reaction is greater than that of the sum of each one of the types of treatment alone. Treatment is symptomatic: applying cold compresses, taking precautions at the site to prevent infection and avoiding trauma, heat and UV light. Sequelae such as fibrosis, skin atrophy and telangiectasia-related disorders may occur. 36
Hypersensitivity reactions
In theory, all chemotherapeutic agents may trigger hypersensitivity eruptions. With certain drugs derived from biological agents such as L-asparaginase, mitomycin-C and bleomycin in addition to paclitaxel the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions is high. In the case of paclitaxel, this is due to the fact that it is dissolved in Cremophor EL castor oil. 37 According to the classification system defined by Gell and Coombs, the majority of hypersensitivity reactions are type I, i.e. IgE-mediated. They present as urticaria, pruritus, angioedema and anaphylaxis. They generally occur within the first hour after use of the drug, but onset may be delayed until up to 24 hours after using the medication. 38 Type III reactions occur due to the formation of circulating immunocomplexes and cause eruptions such as polymorphous erythema and vasculitis. Nonetheless, L-asparaginase and procarbazine cause urticarial reactions via type III reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis, a type IV reaction, may occur, principally as a consequence of the topical use of nitrogen mustard (mechlorethamine).39
Other severe reactions may occur such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), as well as exanthematous eruptions, all currently classified as type IV reactions according to the extended Gell and Coombs classification, i.e. SJS and TEN, respectively (type IVc, mediated by Fas, granzymes and perforin) and exanthematous eruptions (type IVb, mediated by T-cells with IL-5 production, with chemotaxis of eosinophils). 40,41 The different hypersensitivity eruptions, their immunopathogenesis and the agents most commonly involved are shown in Table 5.
LOCAL REACTIONS
Local toxicity
Antineoplastic drugs may be classified according to their potential aggressiveness towards blood vessels and adjacent tissues. They may be non-irritating, irritating or vesicant, causing effects that range from mere local discomfort to tissue necrosis. Non-irritating drugs (thioguanine, asparaginase, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, methotrexate, hydroxyurea) provoke an edema that is indicative of a site of extravasation; however, they do not cause necrosis or tissue irritation. Irritating drugs (fluorouracil, carmustine, docetaxel and etoposide) cause tissue damage that does not progress to necrosis. They trigger erythema, pain, inflammation at the puncture site and along the venous pathway, burning and local edema, without blistering. The vesicant drugs (dactinomycin, doxorubicin, melphalan, vincristine, vinblastine and dacarbazine) cause severe skin irritation with pain, erythema, edema, blistering and necrosis with functional and esthetic damage. 42-44
Drug extravasation
This is defined as the leakage of a chemotherapeutic drug from the vessel bed to the surrounding tissues, either as a result of vascular rupture or by direct infiltration. The frequency of this event in adults is estimated at 0.1% to 6% and it is more common among children. Severe sequelae are rare. The severity of tissue damage is related to the type of chemotherapeutic agent used and the quantity and concentration of the drug administered. Cytotoxic agents are classified as irritants or vesicants as a function of their potential for local toxicity. An irritant is defined as an agent that causes an inflammatory reaction, paresthesia, pain or phlebitis at the puncture site or along the venous pathway. Clinical signs include sclerosis and hyperchromia along the passage, as well as burning, increased temperature at the site, discomfort, erythema and pain at the area of extravasation. Necrosis does not occur with this condition. The symptoms are generally short-lived and leave no sequelae. The drugs most associated with this complication are: 5-FU, carboplatin, cisplatin, bleomycin, mitomycin, dactinomycin, idarubicin, daunorubicin, dacarbazine, iphosphamide, cyclophosphamide, mechlorethamine, carmustine, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, docetaxel, streptozocin, vinblastine, vinorelbine and etoposide. 45,46
The vesicant agents (melphalan, bleomycin, mechlorethamine, carmustine, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, cisplatin, paclitaxel, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, streptozocin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, vinblastine, vincristine, etoposide, vindesine and vinorelbine) have the potential to cause more severe and long-lasting tissue damage, including necrosis of the affected area. The initial manifestations are often subclinical and may appear immediately following extravasation or after several days or weeks. The initial signs include local burning or paresthesia at the site of infusion, mild erythema, pruritus and edema. A change in the infusion rate or the absence of venous return in the aspirate may indicate the occurrence of extravasation. After 2-3 days, erythema increases and there is pain, a brownish discoloration, induration, dry desquamation or the appearance of blisters. If the amount extravasated was small, the signs and symptoms may disappear in the following weeks. If a significant amount was extravasated, the following symptoms may appear in the coming weeks: necrosis, formation of eschar and painful, necrotic ulceration with raised, erythematous borders and a yellowish base. There is generally no granulation tissue with these ulcerations. They may resolve slowly or persist, increasing gradually in area. Involvement of the tendons, nerves and vessels may occur if appropriate treatment is not given, leading to severe sequelae such as nerve compression syndrome, a reduction in joint mobility, contractures, neural deficits and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Cellulitis and the formation of abscesses are rare events. 47,48
The interval between detecting the condition and adopting the appropriate measures should be as short as possible. The nursing team should be trained in this respect. Preventive measures should be adopted such as avoiding puncturing emaciated limbs, lower limbs, limbs with multiple punctures, limbs with phlebitis or those that have been subjected to radiation, the ipsilateral limb to a mastectomy, in vena cava syndrome and in veins that protect articulations, nerves and tendons. It is important to evaluate the venous conditions of the patient and, if necessary, to use an indwelling catheter. The use of common needles for venous access should be avoided. Adequate fixation should be performed and blood reflux should be tested, with an infusion of 0.9% saline solution or 5% glucose-saline solution used for every 2 ml of the chemotherapeutic agent. After administration of all the drugs, 20 ml of saline or glucose-saline solution should be infused in order to reduce any possibly toxic residues. Vesicant drugs should always be given first. In prolonged sessions of chemotherapy (those lasting over an hour) with vesicant drugs, central venous access should be used. Always listen to the patient's complaints. If extravasation occurs, stop the infusion immediately. Remove the puncture device and elevate the affected limb. In the case of extravasation of drugs such as etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine and vinorelbine, apply local heat (leading to vasodilation and dilution of the drug) for 30 minutes and ice (venous constriction and greater degradation of the toxic metabolites in addition to alleviating pain and inflammation) every 30 minutes, 6 times a day in the first 48 hours. For the other drugs, apply ice every 30 minutes, 6 times a day. When indicated, the specific antidote for the drug in question should be used. 49,50
The use of intralesional corticosteroid and sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. Ulcers that fail to heal may require debridement and grafting. In case of persistent edema and erythema and pain without ulceration that persists despite conservative therapy or in the presence of extensive areas of necrotic tissue or skin ulceration, surgery may be indicated. 51
OTHER REACTIONS
Periorbital edema
Edema of the eyelids has been described with the use of gemcitabine. 52
Cutaneous eruption of lymphocyte recovery
Cutaneous eruption of lymphocyte recovery (ELR) is observed in leukemia patients who receive bone marrow ablation. In general, it appears between the 6th and the 21st days after chemotherapy. This point corresponds to the beginning of the recovery of peripheral lymphocytes following the nadir of leukocyte count induced by chemotherapy. Although the exact mechanism has yet to be clarified, it is believed that the eruption is caused by the return of immunocompetent lymphocytes to peripheral circulation with cutaneous cytotoxicity. T-lymphocytes and Langerhans cells are found at histopathological evaluation of these reaction sites. 53,54
Clinically, the condition consists of pruriginous, erythematous macules, papules or papulous plaques that become confluent. Erythrodermia may occur. In addition, this condition is associated with an elevation in body temperature that occurs together with the appearance of the eruption. The temperature falls in the following 2-3 days and the skin eruption tends to diminish after several days, progressing with desquamation and mild residual hyperchromia. The drugs most associated with these reactions are: cytarabine, daunorubicin, amsacrine, etoposide, cyclophosphamide and vincristine. Differential diagnosis should be made with sepsis, viral exanthems, graft-versus-host disease, leukemia or lymphoma cutis and drug hypersensitivity or toxicity. 55
Histopathology is nonspecific. The most characteristic findings are superficial perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate, mild epidermal alterations such as spongiosis, vacuolar alteration of the basal cell layer and loss of keratinocyte maturation secondary to chemotherapy. Dyskeratotic keratinocytes are rare and eosinophils are absent. On occasions in which the patient was treated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor associated with IL-3, atypical lymphocytes with large pleomorphic and hyperchromatic nuclei were found at histopathology. Differentiation may be difficult between ELR and graft-versus-host disease. 56
Skin toxicity associated with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors EGFR/TKI
Anti-epidermal growth factor receptors (anti-EGFR) currently consist of panitumumab, cetuximab, erlotinib and gefitinib. Skin toxicity with anti-EGFRs is actually more of a pharmacological effect than a hypersensitivity reaction, since this is a clinical marker of the efficacy of the inhibiting effect of these drugs on the tumor, with the severity of the eruption corresponding to tumor response. 57 The skin effects observed with the anti-EGFR are alterations in capillary growth and in the texture of the hair, paronychia with or without secondary infection or the formation of pyogenic granuloma, generalized asteatosis, skin desquamation and blepharitis. The most characteristic and intense manifestation is a papular-pustular, follicular, comedone or non-comedo (acneiform eruption) that occurs on the head, neck and the central portion of the chest and back, which later disseminates (Figure 3A). There may be pruritus, which differentiates this reaction from the acneiform eruptions caused by corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs and vitamins B6 and B12. Acneiform eruptions occur in more than 50% of patients in use of cetuximab and this percentage may reach as high as 75% to 100%. The manifestations generally occur in the first weeks (2 days to 6 weeks) after the beginning of treatment (cetuximab and panitumumab). The eruption is dose-dependent; however the duration of the condition does not correlate with the duration of treatment. The acneiform eruptions induced by monoclonal antibodies are more severe and extensive than those resulting from the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Blepharitis caused by anti-EGFR may range from mild to intense (Figure 3B). Table 6 shows the National Cancer Institute's classification of these eruptions. 57,58
Histopathology of the papular-pustular lesions shows no increase in sebaceous gland activity, comedones or follicular rupture that would explain the inflammation, differentiating it from acne vulgaris. The follicles are rather wide and at times obstructed by an excess of keratinocytes. In the dermis, neutrophilic infiltrate may be found, particularly involving the follicular infundibulum. Intraepidermal acantholysis may be present in association with the eccrine gland ducts. In the lesions of patients in use of gefitinib, there is an expressive thinning of the stratum corneum layer, with loss of the normal basket-weave pattern. 59 Paronychia occurs in around 10-15% of patients in use of cetuximab and gefitinib, appearing at 6 to 8 weeks of treatment or sometimes after 6 months. It affects various fingers and the first toes. Treatment consists of potent topical corticosteroids. In case of onychocryptosis, anti-EGFR may be temporarily interrupted and canthotomy may be performed. Asteatosis occurs in around 35% of patients, particularly with the use of gefitinib. There is a predilection for the areas previously or simultaneously affected by acneiform eruption. Some patients have xerosis of the vaginal mucosa, with micturition discomfort. Xerosis may progress to chronic asteatotic eczema, with a greater susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus infection or human herpes virus type 1. Emollients and topical corticosteroids should be used for the eczema. Fissures can be treated with a solution of 50% propylene glycol under plastic occlusion or a hydrocolloid dressing. 57,58
Other adverse skin reactions found with chemotherapeutic drugs
Various patterns of skin lesions have been reported, the most important of which are described in Table 7.
Final considerations
All antineoplastic agents may cause some degree of adverse skin reaction. These agents differ from other drugs used in medicine in two basic points: 1) their objective is to destroy neoplastic cells, and 2) their therapeutic/toxic index is generally very narrow or non-existent, resulting in frequent cutaneous adverse reactions. Therefore, the dermatologist must be capable of recognizing the wide spectrum of adverse reactions to antineoplastic drugs, which often can be mimicked by other drugs used within this clinical scenario such as antibiotics, antiemetics and analgesics. Furthermore, immunosuppressed patients often present with a variety of infectious, neoplastic and paraneoplastic cutaneous events. Unfortunately, only a few antineoplastic agents have mucocutaneous reaction features that are "characteristic" of that group of agents. The dermatologist may be requested to identify these adverse reactions and give an opinion on the decision to be made with respect to whether or not to discontinue use of the drug in question. Table 8 provides guidelines in this respect. Knowledge on morphology and physiopathogenesis therefore become crucial for the diagnosis and management of these adverse reactions.
REFERENCES
- 1. Sánchez Henarejos P, Ros Martínez S, Marín Zafra GR, Alonso Romero JL, Navarrete Montoya A. Intertrigo-like eruption caused by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). Clin Transl Oncol. 2009;11:486-7.
- 2. Webber KA, Kos L, Holland KE, Margolis DA, Drolet BA. Intertriginous eruption associated with chemotherapy in pediatric patients. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:67-71.
- 3. Koppel RA, Boh EE. Cutaneous reactions to chemotherapeutic agents. Am J Med Sci. 2001;321:327-35.
- 4. Al-Lamki Z, Pearson P, Jaffe N. Localized cisplatin hyper-pigmentation induced by pressure. A case report. Cancer. 1996;77:1578.
- 5. Susser WS, Whitaker-Worth DL, Grant-Kels JM. Mucocutaneous reactions to chemotherapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999;40:367-98.
- 6. Singal R, Tunnessen WW Jr, Wiley JM, Hood AF. Discrete pigmentation after chemotherapy. Pediatr Dermatol. 1991;8:231-5.
- 7. Sanborn RE, Sauer DA. Cutaneous reactions to chemotherapy: commonly seen, less described, little understood. Dermatol Clin. 2008;26:103-19.
- 8. Chen M, Crowson AN, Woofter M, Luca MB, Magro CM. Docetaxel (taxotere) induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: report of 4 cases. J Rheumatol. 2004;31:818-20.
- 9. Alexandrescu DT, Bhagwati NS, Wiernik PH. Chemotherapy-induced scleroderma: a pleiomorphic syndrome. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005;30:141-5.
- 10. Elliott R, Davies M, Harmse D. Dermatomyositis-like eruption with long-term hydroxyurea. J Dermatolog Treat. 2006;17:59-60.
- 11. Serrão VV, Feio AB. Inflammation of actinic keratoses with capecitabine therapy for colon cancer. Eur J Dermatol. 2008;18:200.
- 12. Dubauskas Z, Kunishige J, Prieto VG, Jonasch E, Hwu P, Tannir NM. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and inflammation of actinic keratoses associated with sorafenib. Clin Genitourin Cancer. 2009;7:20-3.
- 13. Siqueira CRS, Miot HA. Inflamação de queratoses seborreicas múltiplas induzida por quimioterapia com gencitabina. An Bras Dermatol. 2009;84:410-3.
- 14. Best PJ, Daoud MS, Pittelkow MR, Petitt RM. Hydroxyurea-induced leg ulceration in 14 patients. Ann Intern Med. 1998;128:29-32.
- 15. Del Pozo J, Martínez W, García-Silva J, Almagro M, Peña-Penabad C, Fonseca E. Cutaneous ulceration as a sign of methotrexate toxicity. Eur J Dermatol. 2001;11:450-2.
- 16. Berger CC, Bokemeyer C, Schneider M, Kuczyk MA, Schmoll HJ. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon and other late vascular complications following chemotherapy for testicular cancer. Eur J Cancer. 1995;31A:2229-38.
- 17. Blume JE, Miller CC. Livedo reticularis with retiform purpura associated with gefitinib (Iressa). Int J Dermatol. 2007;46:1307-8.
- 18. Gorgulu S, Celik S, Tezel T. A case of coronary spasm induced by 5-fluorouracil. Acta Cardiol. 2002;57:381-3.
- 19. El Tal AK, Tannous Z. Cutaneous vascular disorders associated with internal malignancy. Dermatol Clin. 2008;26:45-57.
- 20. Chiewchanvit S, Noppakun K, Kanchanarattanakorn K. Mucocutaneous complications of chemotherapy in 74 patients from Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. J Med Assoc Thai. 2004;87:508-14.
- 21. Slichenmyer WJ, Rowinsky EK, Grochow LB, Kaufmann SH, Donehower RC. Camptothecin analogues: studies from the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 1994;34:S53-7.
- 22. Winkeljohn D, Polovich M. Carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2006;10:595-8.
- 23. Syrigou E, Syrigos K, Saif MW. Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin and other antineoplastic agents. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2008;8:56-62.
- 24. Payne, AS, James, WD, Weiss, RB. Dermatologic toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Semin Oncol. 2006;33:86-97.
- 25. Weiss RB, Baker Jr JR. Hypersensitivity reactions from antineoplastic agents. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 1987; 6:413-32.
- 26. Spiegel RJ. The acute toxicities of chemotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev. 1981;8:197-207.
- 27. Guzzo C, Kaidby K. Recurrent recall of sunburn by methotrexate. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1995;11:55-6.
- 28. Smoller BR, Horn TD. Chemotherapy-induced drug eruptions. Dermatopathology in systemic disease. New York : Oxford University Press; 2001. p. 298.
- 29. Camidge R, Price A. Characterizing the phenomenon of radiation recall dermatitis. Radiother Oncol. 2001;59:237-45.
- 30. Borgia F, Guarneri C, Guarneri F, Vaccaro M. Radiation recall dermatitis after docetaxel administration: absolute indication to replace the drug? Br J Dermatol. 2005;153:674-5.
- 31. Giesel BU, Kutz GG, Thiel HJ. Recall dermatitis caused by re-exposure to docetaxel following irradiation of the brain. Case report and review of the literature. Strahlenther Onkol. 2001;177:487-93.
- 32. Bolderston A, Lloyd NS, Wong RK, Holden L, Robb-Blenderman L, Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based. The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy: a systematic review and practice guideline. Support Care Cancer. 2006;14:802-17.
- 33. Jimeno A, Ciruelos EM, Castellano D, Caballero B, Rodriguez-Peralto JL, Cortés-Funes H. Radiation recall dermatitis induced by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. Anticancer Drugs. 2003;14:575-6.
- 34. Clavère P, Bonnafoux-Clavère A, Bonnetblanc JM. Radiation induced skin reactions. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2008;1:1-4.
- 35. Caloglu M, Yurut-Caloglu V, Cosar-Alas R, Saynak M, Karagol H, Uzal C. An ambiguous phenomenon of radiation and drugs: recall reactions. Onkologie. 2007;30:209-14.
- 36. Azria D, Magné N, Zouhair A, Castadot P, Culine S, Ychou M, et al. Radiation recall: a well recognized but neglected phenomenon. Cancer Treat Rev. 2005;31:555-70.
- 37. Lee C, Gianos M, Klaustermeyer WB. Diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions related to common cancer chemotherapy agents. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009;102:179-87.
- 38. Gobel BH. Chemotherapy-induced hypersensitivity reactions. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2005;32:1027-35.
- 39. Zanotti KM, Markman M. Prevention and management of antineoplastic-induced hypersensitivity reactions. Drug Saf. 2001;24:767-79.
- 40. Lerch M, Pichler WJ. The immunological and clinical spectrum of delayed drug-induced exanthems. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004;4:411-9.
- 41. Posadas SJ, Pichler WJ. Delayed drug hypersensitivity reactions - new concepts. Clin Exp Allergy. 2007; 37:989-99.
- 42. Chung CH, O'Neil BH. Infusion reactions to monoclonal antibodies for solid tumors: immunologic mechanisms and risk factors. Oncology. 2009;23:14-7.
- 43. Chung CH. Managing premedications and the risk for reactions to infusional monoclonal antibody therapy. Oncologist. 2008;13:725-32.
- 44. Cmelak AJ, Lordick F, Borner M, Goldberg RM, Saif MW. Management of infusion reactions in clinical trials and beyond: the US and EU perspectives. Oncology. 2009;23:18-25.
- 45. Sauerland C, Engelking C, Wickham R, Corbi D. Vesicant extravasation part I: mechanisms, pathogenesis, and nursing care to reduce risk. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2006;27:1134-41.
- 46. Maslovsky I. Extravasation injury as a result of VAD chemotherapy. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2007;34:297-8.
- 47. Wickham R, Engelking C, Sauerland C, Corbi D. Vesicant extravasation part II: evidence-based management and continuing controversies. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2006;33:1143-50.
- 48. Schulmeister L, Camp-Sorrell D. Chemotherapy extravasation from implanted ports. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2000;27:531-8.
- 49. Hadaway L. Infiltration and extravasation. Am J Nurs. 2007;107:64-72.
- 50. Parran L. Reader looking for guidelines/policies on continuous infusion vesicants for assessments. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2000;27:1201-2.
- 51. Froiland K. Extravasation injuries: implications for WOC nursing. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2007;34:299-302.
- 52. Bessis D, Guillot B, Legouffe E, Guilhou JJ. Gemcitabine associated scleroderma-like changes of the lower extremities. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51:S73-6.
- 53. Horn TD, Redd JV, Karp JE, Beschorner WE, Burke PJ, Hood AF. Cutaneous eruptions of lymphocyte recovery. Arch Dermatol. 1989;125:1512-7.
- 54. Suzuki HI, Asai T, Tamaki Z, Hangaishi A, Chiba S, Kurokawa M. Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome with rapid hematopoietic reconstitution during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica. 2008;93:469-70.
- 55. Nellen RG, van Marion AM, Frank J, Poblete-Gutiérrez P, Steijlen PM. Eruption of lymphocyte recovery or autologous graft-versus-host disease? Int J Dermatol. 2008;47:32-4.
- 56. Horn TD. Acute cutaneous eruptions after marrow ablation: roses by other names? J Cutan Pathol. 1994;21:385-92.
- 57. Heidary N, Naik H, Burgin S. Chemotherapeutic agents and the skin: An update. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58:545-70.
- 58. Robert C, Soria JC, Spatz A, Cesne AL, Malka D, Pautier P, et al. Cutaneous side-effects of kinase inhibitors and blocking antibodies. Lancet Oncol. 2005;6:491-500.
- 59. Busam KJ, Capodieci P, Motzer R, Kiehn T, Phelan D, Halpern AC. Cutaneous side-effects in cancer patients treated with the antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody C225. Br J Dermatol. 2001;144:1169-76.
- 60. Pagani M. The complex clinical picture of presumably allergic side effects to cytostatic drugs: symptoms, pathomechanism, rexposure, and desensitization. Med Clin N Am. 2010;94:835-52.
Adverse mucocutaneous reactions related to chemotherapeutic agents - part II
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
02 Dec 2010 -
Date of issue
Oct 2010
History
-
Received
19 Mar 2010