Problem identification: Preventing and managing skin toxicities can minimize treatment disruptions and improve well-being. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and management of cancer treatment-related skin toxicities.
Literature search: The authors systematically searched for comparative studies published before April 1, 2019. Study selection and appraisal were conducted by pairs of independent reviewers.
Data evaluation: The random-effects model was used to conduct meta-analysis when appropriate.
Synthesis: 39 studies (6,006 patients) were included; 16 of those provided data for meta-analysis. Prophylactic minocycline reduced the development of all-grade and grade 1 acneform rash in patients who received erlotinib. Prophylaxis with pyridoxine 400 mg in capecitabine-treated patients lowered the risk of grade 2 or 3 hand-foot syndrome. Several treatments for hand-foot skin reaction suggested benefit in heterogeneous studies. Scalp cooling significantly reduced the risk for severe hair loss or total alopecia associated with chemotherapy.
Implications for research: Certainty in the available evidence was limited for several interventions, suggesting the need for future research.
Supplemental material can be found at https: //onf.ons.org/supplementary-material-targeted-therapy-and-chemotherapy-associated-skin-toxicity-systematic-review.
Keywords: cancer; chemotherapy; meta-analysis; skin toxicity; systematic review.