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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

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01-08-2013 | Original Research Article

Impact of Dermatologic Adverse Events on Quality of Life in 283 Cancer Patients: A Questionnaire Study in a Dermatology Referral Clinic

Authors: Alyx C. Rosen, Emily C. Case, Stephen W. Dusza, Yevgeniy Balagula, Jennifer Gordon, Dennis P. West, Mario E. Lacouture

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Background

Anticancer therapies cause a wide range of dermatologic adverse events (AE). Although the frequency and severity of these events have been described, their effects on health-related quality of life (QoL) remain poorly understood, and the ones having a greater impact have not been ascertained.

Objective

To assess QoL in patients on conventional versus targeted anti-cancer therapies using a dermatology-specific questionnaire.

Methods

Patients (n = 283) completed the Skindex-16, a QoL questionnaire measuring the effects on three domains: symptoms, emotions, and function. Patients were grouped into two categories according to the types of oncology treatments received: (1) targeted therapies and (2) non-targeted therapies. Correlations of Skindex-16 scores with type of anti-cancer therapy, number of AEs, and specific dermatologic AEs were investigated.

Results

Significant differences between patients treated with targeted versus non-targeted therapy with regards to total Skindex-16 (p = 0.02) and emotion subdomain (p = 0.02) scores were observed. Additionally, patients on targeted therapies experienced a significantly greater number of AEs (p < 0.001) compared with patients on non-targeted therapies. Patients who exhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor-induced rash had higher Skindex-16 scores (p = 0.009) and higher scores in the symptom (p < 0.001), emotion (p = 0.01), and function (p = 0.001) subdomains than patients without this AE. Similar results were observed for pruritus. All p values were two sided.

Conclusions

Dermatologic AEs are associated with a diminished QoL. Targeted therapies are associated with a significantly increased number of AEs and worse total and emotion Skindex-16 scores in comparison with non-targeted therapies. EGFR inhibitor rash and pruritus produced the greatest negative impact.

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Title: Impact of Dermatologic Adverse Events on Quality of Life in 283 Cancer Patients: A Questionnaire Study in a Dermatology Referral Clinic
Authors: Alyx C. Rosen
Emily C. Case
Stephen W. Dusza
Yevgeniy Balagula
Jennifer Gordon
Dennis P. West
Mario E. Lacouture
Publication date: 01-08-2013
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-013-0021-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Impact of Dermatologic Adverse Events on Quality of Life in 283 Cancer Patients: A Questionnaire Study in a Dermatology Referral Clinic

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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