Unexpected dermatologic toxicities from anticancer therapies: Survivors’ perspectives

Abstract

e20673 Background: As oncologic therapies have shown improved survival, there is a growing attention to other aspects of the cancer experience from the survivors’ perspectives. Gastrointestinal, constitutional, and dermatologic toxicities are frequently experienced and further study of their impact is important to prevent inconsistent antineoplastic drug administration. This study is aimed to evaluate survivors’ perceptions of unexpected toxicities. Methods: CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization, mailed 1,369 surveys to cancer survivors completing their treatment. The survey divided into two sections asked patients to rate their concern about dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and constitutional toxicities prior to and after therapy completion. Toxicities were also rated on a 1 to 10 scale based on their negative impact. Results: 379 survivors responded to the survey, yielding a 28% response. Of those 379, 250 (66%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. The remaining 127 (33%) had ovarian, lung, colorectal, prostate, bladder, kidney, or other malignancy. Prior treatments included: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapies, or any combination of the preceding. The most frequently unanticipated events carrying a negative impact were dermatologic: dry skin and skin irritation. Following were constitutional (insomnia and fatigue) and gastrointestinal toxicities (diarrhea and constipation). Before undergoing treatment, skin irritation was concerning to 40%. After treatment, 80% reported concern and 47% were negatively impacted. Dry skin prior to treatment was concerning to 34%, and 79% were concerned after having undergone therapy. In retrospect, 44% reported that having dry skin caused a negative impact. Gastrointestinal and constitutional toxicities were also examined, and overall, respondents’ level of concern remained largely unchanged pre and post treatment. Conclusions: Dermatologic toxicities are least anticipated by the cancer patients prior to their treatments, when compared to gastrointestinal and constitutional events. Since dermatologic toxicities have a negative impact on survivors’ lives, pre-therapy counseling and effective interventions are crucial, in order to maximize quality of life. [Table: see text]