The dermatologic adverse events of various molecularly targeted therapies are well-described in adult cancer patients. Little has been reported on the incidence and clinical presentation of such adverse reactions in pediatric patients with cancer.
To address this gap, researchers have analyzed the dermatologic adverse effects reported across clinical trials of targeted anticancer therapies in pediatric patients.

Pooled data from 19 clinical studies investigating 11 targeted anticancer agents ( Alemtuzumab, Rituximab, Imatinib, Dasatinib, Erlotinib, Vandetanib, Sorafenib, Cabozantinib, Pazopanib, Everolimus, and Temsirolimus ) were analyzed.

The most frequently encountered dermatologic adverse effects were rash ( 127/660; 19% ), xerosis ( 18/100; 18% ), mucositis ( 68/402; 17% ), and pruritus ( 12/169; 7% ).

Other adverse effects included pigmentary abnormalities of the skin/hair ( 13% ), hair disorders ( trichomegaly, hypertrichosis, alopecia, and madarosis; 14% ), urticaria ( 7% ), palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia ( 7% ), erythema, acne, purpura, skin fissures, other unknown skin changes, exanthem, infection, flushing, telangiectasia, and photosensitivity.

In conclusion, this study has described the dermatologic manifestations of targeted anticancer therapy-related adverse effects in the pediatric population.
Since these adverse effects are often associated with significant morbidity, it is imperative that pediatric oncologists be familiar with their recognition and management, to avoid unnecessary dose modifications and/or termination, and to prevent impairments in patients' quality of life. ( Xagena )

Belum VR et al, Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:798-806

XagenaMedicine2015