Targeted Therapy- and Chemotherapy-Associated Skin Toxicities: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Preventing and managing skin toxicities can minimize treatment disruptions and improve well-being. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and management of cancer treatment-related skin toxicities. LITERATURE SEARCH The authors systematically searched for comparative studies published before April 1, 2019. Study selection and appraisal were conducted by pairs of independent reviewers. DATA EVALUATION The random-effects model was used to conduct meta-analysis when appropriate. SYNTHESIS 39 studies (6,006 patients) were included; 16 of those provided data for meta-analysis. Prophylactic minocycline reduced the development of all-grade and grade 1 acneform rash in patients who received erlotinib. Prophylaxis with pyridoxine 400 mg in capecitabine-treated patients lowered the risk of grade 2 or 3 hand-foot syndrome. Several treatments for hand-foot skin reaction suggested benefit in heterogeneous studies. Scalp cooling significantly reduced the risk for severe hair loss or total alopecia associated with chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Certainty in the available evidence was limited for several interventions, suggesting the need for future research. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND ATNHTTPS //onf.ons.org/supplementary-material-targeted-therapy-and-chemotherapy-associated-skin-toxicity-systematic-review.