Acute and long-term dermatologic adverse events are experienced by both patients and survivors alike. Despite documentation of more than 50 distinct dermatologic toxicities in association with at least 30 anti-cancer agents, dermatologic adverse events are often underreported or overlooked. Supportive oncologic dermatology bridges gaps in communication by fostering collaboration among oncologists, dermatologists, nurses, and other supporting professionals to ease the burden of dermatologic toxicities on patients and improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) provides resources to refine strategies for assessing, preventing, and managing dermatologic toxicities, emphasizing timely evaluation, clinical advancements, and overall care management to improve patient outcomes.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapies are a valuable tool in oncology care, particularly for lung and colorectal cancers. However, this therapy comes with challenging adverse events (AEs), most notably dermatologic toxicities. These AEs can significantly impact quality of life and require coordinated, interdisciplinary management informed by a deep understanding of the patient experience. Recognizing the need to improve care for patients treated with these agents, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) brought together a diverse group of experts, including patient advocates and providers across the multidisciplinary care team, to discuss the challenges presented by dermatologic toxicities and opportunities to improve patient care. Topics include the current landscape of EGFR inhibitors, proactive strategies for managing toxicities, workflows for care coordination, and the importance of patient quality of life. These webinars highlight actionable management strategies rooted in research and real-world experience to help cancer programs improve patient outcomes on EGFR inhibitor therapies.
Throughout the course of treatment, patients and providers alike are often focused on the progression of the cancer diagnosis more than anything else. But adverse effects like skin toxicities can be highly damaging to patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Dermatologic toxicities associated with oncology treatment can significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence for patients with breast cancer. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on managing these dermatologic side effects to enhance clinical outcomes. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Allison Gordon, MD, a supportive oncodermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the dermatologic toxicities associated with breast cancer treatment. Dr Gordon explores preventive measures that oncologists can implement early in the treatment course and offers alternative resources for oncology clinicians when an oncodermatologist referral is not feasible. Additionally, she highlights capivasertib, a recently approved antineoplastic drug, and reviews its associated cutaneous adverse events, along with supportive care and management strategies.
Dr. Heberton sheds light on issues of access for patients with cancer seeking dermatologic expertise.
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Julie Ryan Wolf, PhD, MPH and C.J.G. (Corina) van den Hurk, PhD, the chair and vice chair of the Oncodermatology Study Group at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) about common oncodermatological toxicities including radiation dermatitis, hair loss, and nail changes unique to EGFR-inhibitors. Also discussed are strategies to increase provider collaboration to intervene at an early stage to improve quality of life for patients receiving cancer treatment.
This project is made possible by support from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
