Facial skin care management in cancer patients with pre-existing rosacea.

Abstract

e19669 Background: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate tolerability of 2 test articles specifically developed for facial skin care during cancer treatment (face moisturizer and face wash) in patients reporting pre-existing rosacea. Methods: Participants in this study were diagnosed cancer patients with reported pre-existing rosacea (n = 12) receiving systemic anticancer therapies and/or radiotherapy at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Subjects were assessed at the initial visit for adverse skin reactions based on NCI-CTCAEv3.0 criteria and completed the Skindex-16 questionnaire, a self-reported dermatology-specific Quality of Life instrument. All subjects were provided with two test articles specifically formulated for facial skin care management: facial moisturizer and face wash, and were instructed to use each product once daily for one month. At the 4 week follow-up interview, Skindex-16 was re-administered, tolerability questionnaires were administered for each test article used, and adverse skin reactions were assessed according to NCI- CTCAE v3.0 criteria. Results: Of the 12 subjects with pre-existing rosacea, 11 subjects indicated that the facial moisturizer was very good or good (92%, 95% CI 73%-98%). A majority of subjects (9/12 or 75%) indicated the face wash was very good or good (95% CI 51%-91%). Fisher's exact test to compare tolerability by patients for both test articles was similarly acceptable (p = 0.59). Conclusions: Patients with rosacea and rosacea-like erythematous facial skin are often very sensitive to skin care products that worsen inflammation and exaggerate irritation. This study demonstrates that cancer patients with pre-existing rosacea can well-tolerate a facial moisturizer and a face wash designed specifically for cancer skin care management. In summary, specifically tailored cancer skin care management is well-tolerated by a majority of patients with pre-existing rosacea currently undergoing anticancer therapy and/or radiotherapy. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Genentech, ImClone Systems, Onyx Amgen, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, ImClone Systems, Onyx Hana Biosciences