Assessment and Management of Skin Toxicity Associated with Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody for Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:Skin Toxicity is a predictable adverse event of anti-EGFR chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role the assessment sheet, which we developed and introduced in 2011 to check the adverse events associated with chemotherapy.

METHODS:We analyzed 44 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy including cetuximab and panitumumab from 2009 to 2011. The patients were divided into two groups:before the introduction of the assessment sheet or after that. Skin toxicity was graded by the current National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC).

OUTCOME:91% of the patients developed skin toxicities:the rate of grade-1 / -2 / -3 was 41% / 32% / 18% respectively. There was no difference in the rate of skin toxicity between before and after the introduction of assessment sheet, however, the patients developing grade-3 skin toxicity were reduced in the group with assessment sheet.

CONCLUSIONS:Assessment sheet to check the adverse events associated with chemotherapy might help reducing maximum skin toxicity. It seemed chiefly because the common understanding of the adverse events between patients and medical staff made early and adequate management.