Mar 11, 2025
Dermatologic toxicities associated with oncology treatment can significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence for patients with breast cancer. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on managing these dermatologic side effects to enhance clinical outcomes. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Allison Gordon, MD, a supportive oncodermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the dermatologic toxicities associated with breast cancer treatment. Dr Gordon explores preventive measures that oncologists can implement early in the treatment course and offers alternative resources for oncology clinicians when an oncodermatologist referral is not feasible. Additionally, she highlights capivasertib, a recently approved antineoplastic drug, and reviews its associated cutaneous adverse events, along with supportive care and management strategies.
Thank you to AstraZeneca for their support of this program.
Allison Gordon, MD
Dermatologist
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
“Because many of these medications can cause dry skin, which can be debilitating for patients... [we recommend] using a thick ointment or cream moisturizer on their damp skin after they shower... it doesn't have to be anything expensive... I always recommend that to all patients regardless of what treatment they're on.”– Allison Gordon, MD
Additional Reading/Sources
ACCC Supportive Care Strategies for Dermatologic Toxicities Related to Cancer Therapies education program (https://www.accc-cancer.org/home/learn/comprehensive-cancer-care-services/dermatologic-toxicities?)
Targeted Therapy Side Effects – American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/side-effects.html)
Oncodermatology: Advancing the Science and Care of Cancer Patients and Survivors (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10569770/)
Dermatologic Adverse Events of Systemic Anticancer Therapies: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy (https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_289911)
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Oncodermatolgy Study Group (https://mascc.org/resources/mascc-guidelines/)
Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions (https://mascc.org/resources/mascc-guidelines/)
Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Dermatological Toxicities Related to Anticancer Agents (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33248228/)