Managing skin toxicities related to panitumumab

Background: Dermatologic toxicities from targeted agents such as panitumumab can interfere with cancer treatment. Objective: We sought to evaluate the rash assessment and management in a consecutive patient cohort who received panitumumab for colorectal cancer treatment. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review. Results: Skin toxicity, consisting of papulopustular rash, was experienced by 32 of 34 patients. The majority (85%) developed the rash by the end of the second infusion cycle. Patients presented with a mild (41%), moderate (38%), and severe (21%) rash, and progressed to an extensive rash without appropriate treatment. A grading system was used for 65% of patients to document severity. Limitations: Small sample size limited power in analysis. Rash severity had to be inferred based on rash description and management in 11 of the patients. Conclusion: Dermatologic toxicities related to panitumumab are common; however, theway they are reported andmanaged variesamongphysicians.Topreventprogression, toxicitiesmust be assessedandtreatedearly and aggressively, according to severity grading. Dermatologists could aid oncologists in choosing the best management strategies. ( J Am Acad Dermatol 2014;71:754-9.).