Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Due to Antineoplastic Agents

Abstract

Background- Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Traditional as well as the newer targeted antineoplastic agents are associated with a wide array of Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (CARs).

Objectives- The aim of our study is to find the prevalence of CARs and frequency of association with the antineoplastic agents at our centre.

Methods- An observational study was conducted on 100 patients in Dermatology and oncology department of our centre from April 2022 to April 2023. We excluded patients who were on concurrent radiotherapy, CARs due to internal malignancies, cutaneous symptoms before chemotherapy, receiving immunosuppressive agents for other causes and having other dermatological conditions. Detailed history, examination and consent were taken in all included patients and Skin biopsies for histopathology were done in relevant cases.

Results- Among 100 patients total 192 cutaneous adverse reactions were noted in our study affecting skin, hair and nail. In our study, skin was the most commonly affected site (53.13%) followed by hair (29.17%) and nail (17.71%) respectively. Anagen effluvium was the most common adverse effect finding reported in 50 patients (26.04%) followed by xerosis in 32 patients (16.66%). Most common nail changes were nail pigmentation in 20 patients (10.41%). Infusion site reaction was seen in only 10 patients (5.20%).

Conclusion-antineoplastic agents lead to various CARs pertaining to skin, hair and nail changes. Proper understanding of these CARs will help in early detection, timely management and proper counselling of cancer patients.