Managing cutaneous side effects from targeted molecular inhibitors for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer

BACKGROUND: Targeted anticancer therapies can cause cutaneous adverse events different from classical chemotherapeutic toxicities. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on dermatologic adverse events (DAEs) of targeted molecular inhibitors for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers with a focus on management options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search related to the side effects and management of these side effects from vemurafenib, dabrafenib, trametinib (BRAF inhibitors), pembrolizumab (antiprogrammeddeath-receptor-1 antibody), imatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor), ipilimumab (anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 antibody), cetuximab (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor), sorafenib (multikinase inhibitor), and vismodegib (smoothened receptor inhibitor). RESULTS: No large controlled studies specifically examining the management of DAEs of targeted molecular inhibitors exist, although there are case report-based recommendations and algorithms developed by expert panels to manage these adverse events. CONCLUSION: Many options for managing the cutaneous side effects of targeted molecular inhibitors are similar to those used in general dermatology practice. When used effectively, drug dosing and patient quality of life may be optimized.