Dermatological adverse events of cancer chemotherapy: An observational clinicoepidemiological study from a tertiary care center

Introduction: Although newer chemotherapeutic drugs prolong patients’ survival, they cause a myriad of dermatological adverse effects leading to decreased quality of life. Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken to assess the various cutaneous adverse effects associated with chemotherapeutic drugs. Materials and Methods: A total of 736 diagnosed cancer patients on chemotherapy attending the dermatology department of a tertiary care center were studied in this observational study between June 2019 and May 2021. Detailed dermatological examination to include skin, hair, nail, and mucosal changes was undertaken after informed consent. Results: The most common malignancy observed was breast carcinoma, which was seen in 21.33% of the cases. It was followed by carcinoma cervix in 12.09% of the cases. Most commonly implicated drugs were platinum therapy (cisplatin, carboplatin) and anthracyclines (doxorubicin and epirubicin). Alopecia was the most common adverse effect seen in 55.84% of the patients. It was followed by hand-foot syndrome in 11% of the patients. Nail changes were seen in 4.21% of the patients, and the most common nail finding was longitudinal melanonychia seen in 1.49% of the patients. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding occurrence and severity of dermatological side effects of chemotherapy aids in early recognition and treatment. It also benefits in educating patients regarding potential adverse effects, taking appropriate prophylactic measures, and therefore better compliance by the patient