Clinical management of cutaneous adverse events in patients on targeted anticancer therapies and immunotherapies: a national consensus statement by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology

Recent progress in the understanding of cancer biology, processes involved in carcinogenesis and neoangiogenesis, the tumor/stroma relationship, proliferation, and invasion, signaling pathways and the immune response has enabled the development of drugs aimed at molecular targets. Targets of particular interest include EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), HER-2, RAS, BRAF, MEK, KIT, RET, mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) 1, 2, and 3. These new therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), monoclonal antibodies, and cancer immunotherapies.

The dermatological effects they cause seem to be more common than those produced by conventional cytostatics and have specific clinical and pathological features [1, 2]. EGFR inhibitors are routinely used to treat advanced malignancies such as colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Because of their mechanism of action and the targets they attack, they are very often associated with the development of dermatological adverse effects, which need to be understood and managed [3, 4]. However, it must be borne in mind that other drugs, directed against targets other than EGFR, also cause cutaneous toxicity.

Symptoms and esthetic issues can both have a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Patients’ personal, social, and workplace relationships can be affected. As with conventional chemotherapy, the dermatological side effects of targeted therapies can cause dose reductions and delays, or even treatment discontinuation. Accurate diagnosis of these adverse effects is, therefore, necessary, and in many cases therapeutic measures to reduce their severity and duration must be introduced as soon as possible [5, 6]. Preventive measures should be applied whenever they exist. Also, multidisciplinary assessment by dermatologists and medical oncologists is key to caring for these patients.

This article reviews the dermatological toxicity associated with the most commonly used TKIs, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies, together with the clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic management involved with each of them.

The cancer treatment scene has been revolutionized by the advent of new targeted therapies and immunotherapy (Table 1). One of their most common side effects is cutaneous toxicity, the features of which differ according to each drug’s mode of action.

Both papulopustular eruption and xerosis cutis can occur after anti-EGFR drugs or mTOR inhibitors are used.

The underlying mechanism by which these drugs cause papulopustular eruption or xerosis cutis is not clear.

Multikinase inhibitor drugs often give rise to dose-dependent rashes during the first few weeks of therapy [29, 35‐37]. Unlike the papulopustular eruption seen with anti-EGFR drugs, these eruptions are unrelated to efficacy. Multikinase inhibitor-induced rashes are not well characterized in the literature and are usually described as non-specific rashes. They consist of diffuse mild eruptions of a morbilliform, eczematous or lichenoid nature, and tend to resolve spontaneously despite continued therapy (Fig. 2). They must be distinguished from other much less common, more serious eruptions related to drug hypersensitivity, such as erythema multiforme, hypersensitivity syndrome, exanthematous pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. These have all been described occasionally in the past with one multikinase inhibitor or another.

Multikinase inhibitor-induced rash is very common. It occurs in 20–30% of patients on sorafenib, regorafenib or imatinib therapy, 10–20% of patients on sunitinib, and 5–10% of those on pazopanib therapy. It arises during the first 6–8 weeks of treatment and consists of mild eruptions (grade 1–2) involving less than 30% of the body surface area. The lesions are mainly distributed on the trunk and the tops of the limbs. In most cases, the eruptions are eczematous and become morbilliform in appearance. Less often, they can present as lichenoid lesions. Generally, these eruptions are mild (grade 1–2) and do not require withdrawal of the drug. If symptomatic treatment elicits a good response, therapy can be allowed to continue. The accompanying symptoms tend to be pruritus and, occasionally, a pricking sensation. Symptomatic treatment with oral antihistamines and moderately potent topical corticosteroids is usually sufficient.

Normal EGFR expression in the epidermis, eccrine glands, and hair follicles can encourage development of the PRIDE complex (papulopustules, paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of the hair follicle, pruritus and dry skin) [38] during therapy with EGFR inhibitors. The onset of pustular acneiform folliculitis without comedones, sometimes with pruritus, occurs on the scalp, face, and trunk in over 50% of cases (Fig. 3a), especially during cetuximab and panitumumab therapy, when it is seen in up to 100% of cases [10]. This abnormality is usually more severe with the administration of monoclonal antibodies than with TKIs, and it develops a week after treatment starts. Although most eruptions are grade 1 or 2, higher severity tends to be associated with a better tumor response to therapy [4, 10, 38].

Cultures obtained from the lesions are usually negative but increased expression of p27^Kip1 in follicular lesions has been demonstrated [39]. These lesions, in turn, might be due to deregulation of pathways involving IL-1 [40]. Administering benzoyl peroxide, metronidazole or clindamycin, or adding tetracyclines, oral isotretinoin, or even stopping the anti-EGFR drug are the treatment regimens that tend to be used most [4, 10, 38].

EGFR inhibitors have also been associated with elongation (trichomegaly) (Fig. 3b) or fragility of the eyelashes, and with more brittle, finer, wavy, and fragile hair [41]. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, can cause alopecia in up to 36% of cases [42]. Last, xerosis cutis may develop [4, 10, 38], with substantial morbidity [20], with fissuring of the heels (Fig. 3c) or fleshy parts of the digits (Fig. 3d) 4–8 weeks after therapy with the inhibitor begins [10].

Another side effect related to drugs that inhibit EGFR, albeit uncommon, is the onset of nail abnormalities 4–8 weeks after therapy starts. These take the form of fragility, onychoschizia, onychorrhexis or onycholysis. Only 10–15% of cases may develop paronychia (Fig. 3e), sometimes with S. aureus superinfection [10].

Pigmentary changes are commonly seen with the administration of targeted therapies and are often characteristic. Essentially, they consist of depigmentation of the hair and, to a lesser extent, the skin or its appendages. The c-KIT protein is involved in melanocyte physiology, regulating melanogenesis and melanocyte proliferation, migration, and survival [43]. Imatinib can cause cutaneous hypopigmentation or depigmentation in up to 40% of patients, most commonly those with a high phototype [44]. In some cases, bluish pigmentation of the oral cavity may be observed [45]. Cutaneous depigmentation may be localized or diffuse. It develops after several weeks of therapy and usually disappears when treatment ends. In some cases, worsening of pre-existing vitiligo, or even hyperpigmentation, has been described (Fig. 4a) [46]. Nilotinib and dasatinib can also cause pigmentary changes, but less frequently [47].

Sunitinib is a mixed TKI that can produce depigmentation of the hair, eyebrows or eyelashes after several weeks of therapy. This effect is characterized by alternating depigmented and pigmented zones on the same hair shaft, corresponding to weeks of therapy and rest periods, respectively. It is also common for a yellowish coloration to develop, especially on the facial skin and oral mucosa. These changes usually resolve when treatment ends [48].

The multikinase inhibitor vandetanib can induce the onset of blue-gray macules measuring a few millimeters (blue dots), predominantly in perifollicular regions of the face and trunk. They tend to persist or recur with maintenance therapy [49]. Pigmentary changes (hyperpigmentation or depigmentation) have also been described with immunotherapies (interferon, ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab), MEK inhibitors, and other multi-kinase inhibitors, e.g. pazopanib (Fig. 4b, c) [22]. RAF inhibitors (sorafenib, vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and regorafenib) can induce dynamic changes in pre-existing naevi or trigger the development of eruptive naevi (Fig. 4d). Dermatological surveillance is necessary in this context, because cases of de novo primary melanomas have been reported in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors [50].

Inhibition of angiogenesis interferes with normal skin homeostasis. Among other complications, this can give rise to delays or difficulties in wound healing. Drugs that inhibit VEGF or VEGFR have the potential to cause these complications. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, is associated with a higher incidence of surgical wound complications (dehiscence and delayed healing). The incidence varies according to the context in which it is used. It is advisable to stop treatment with this drug at least 6–8 weeks before surgery and to wait until 4 weeks after surgery before resuming it [51]. The risk of complications with mTOR inhibitors is not negligible either. It is, therefore, advisable to stop therapy 7–10 days beforehand and to wait for at least 3 weeks after the intervention before resuming it. The risk seems to be lower with TKIs. The recommendation is to stop them 24–48 h before surgery and to wait 3–4 weeks before resuming them [52]. In any case, good perioperative management, bearing in mind the elimination half-life of each drug, is essential to avoid these complications [53].

The onset of various neutrophilic dermatoses has been described with the use of targeted therapies. TKIs, such as imatinib, nilotinib or dasatinib, have been linked to cases of Sweet’s syndrome, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, and neutrophilic panniculitis [54]. Pyoderma gangrenosum has also been linked to TKIs, EGFR inhibitors, and drugs such as ipilimumab or rituximab, among others [55]. Cases of neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis and neutrophilic panniculitis have also been reported in patients on BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib). In most cases, treatment discontinuation tends not to be necessary [56].

In pivotal trials conducted with vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, a high percentage of patients developed side effects, mainly of a cutaneous nature (92–95%) [28]. Nevertheless, most of these effects are mild or moderate, and relatively easy to manage if well understood. Very few cases require modification or discontinuation of therapy. The occurrence or severity of these side effects has not been correlated with treatment efficacy.

The cutaneous side effect of greatest concern is the onset of skin tumors, specifically squamous cell carcinomas (Fig. 5a) and, in many cases, a well-differentiated variant of these with very little metastatic potential, called a keratoacanthoma. These tumors generally appear between weeks 2 and 36, most commonly between weeks 12 and 18. They have been reported in 20–30% of patients [22]. Surgical treatment for these tumors is usually simple. The administration of oral retinoids has been shown to reduce their frequency [57]. Their occurrence seems to be due to paradoxical stimulation of the MAPK pathway in BRAF wild-type cells [58]. This stimulation is especially important in cells that, because of sun exposure, already harbor mutations in RAS, the first kinase in this pathway. Other BRAF inhibitors developed subsequently, such as dabrafenib, cause cutaneous side effects, including squamous cell carcinomas, at a lower rate [59]. Introducing dual inhibition of the MAPK pathway with coadministered BRAF and MEK inhibitors has achieved a substantial reduction in the frequency at which these tumors occur, probably by inhibiting the paradoxical stimulation described above, by means of MEK inhibitor-induced blockade of the pathway downstream of BRAF [60]. The onset of both atypical melanocytic lesions and melanomas of low thickness has also been documented. These have been attributed to the same paradoxical MAPK pathway stimulation effect [61].

Despite the above, the most common cutaneous manifestation is a maculopapular rash (64–75% of cases), often poorly described [28]. Of particular note is the follicular accentuation shown by the lesions in some cases, taking on the appearance of keratosis pilaris [22] (Fig. 5b). Other patients develop a rash composed of erythematous papules located on the chest, face, and upper limbs. Biopsy has demonstrated the existence of acantholysis and suprabasal dyskeratosis, findings consistent with Grover’s disease (or transient acantholytic dyskeratosis) [62, 63]. These lesions have been attributed to paradoxical MAPK pathway activation in normal keratinocytes, causing decreased expression of the protein sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase type 2 isoform (SERCA2), also involved in Darier’s disease, which shares histological features in common with Grover’s disease [63].

Photosensitivity is another common side effect of vemurafenib (35–63% of patients) [28]. This drug stimulates erythrocyte 5-aminolaevulinic acid synthase (ALAS), raising porphyrin levels in red blood cells [64]. Photobiology tests have shown the photosensitivity to be due to a heightened reaction to ultraviolet rays (UVA), with a decrease in the UVA minimal erythema dose [64, 65]. Other less common side effects are: palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (8–10% of patients) [28]; palmar-plantar keratoderma (6–60% of patients), which can cause substantial discomfort in daily life [22] (Fig. 5c); alopecia due to telogen effluvium; and changes in the appearance of the hair, ranging from turning gray to becoming curly [66].

One uncommon but very interesting side effect already mentioned above is the onset of neutrophilic dermatoses during the administration of BRAF inhibitors. There have been reports of lobular panniculitis, Sweet’s syndrome, and neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis [67‐69].

Side effects related to MEK inhibitors (trametinib, cobimetinib) are less complex. The most common are papulopustular rashes (77–89% of patients) and xerosis (30%) [22, 62].

In the past few years, progress in the understanding of regulatory mechanisms governing the immune response has led to the development of monoclonal antibodies that deactivate inhibitory receptors expressed by T cells. Drugs that stimulate the immune response by inhibiting CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) or PD-L1 have thus appeared. However, the anticancer effect of these drugs is accompanied by a number of cutaneous and systemic side effects related to immune stimulation. In this class, cutaneous side effects are the most common, and they also tend to be the first to appear. Although their severity seems to be correlated with treatment efficacy, their absence does not imply lack of response. In general, they are reversible if treated promptly, and the administration of either systemic corticosteroids or anti-TNF drugs does not counteract the anticancer effect [70]. The most common cutaneous side effects are the same with either anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 drugs: maculopapular rash, pruritus, and vitiligo. They occur more often and are more severe with ipilimumab than with anti-PD-1 drugs.

In the case of ipilimumab, and unlike the situation with anti-PD-1 drugs, cutaneous side effects depend on the drug dose. The most common side effect is maculopapular rash (47–68%) [62]. It tends to occur 2–5 weeks after therapy begins. Severe, life-threatening reactions, of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or DRESS syndrome type, have been reported at a frequency of less than 1% [70]. Pruritus can occur on its own, or in the context of the above-mentioned rash, and may be severe enough to require dose reduction. Dermatomyositis, Sweet’s syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, and sarcoidosis have been described during anti-CTLA-4 therapy, albeit uncommonly [71‐74].

As far as the most common reactions related to anti-PD-1 drugs are concerned, the maculopapular rash often acquires lichenoid features (lesions with a dark red tone and intense residual hyperpigmentation). A biopsy confirms lichenoid histology [75, 76]. On the other hand, achromic lesions resembling vitiligo have often been described. Unlike vitiligo, however, they tend to adopt a patchy distribution, occur more often in light-exposed areas, and do not display the Koebner phenomenon [77]. An ever-increasing number of publications describe patients who were diagnosed with pemphigoid after commencing anti-PD-1 therapy [78]. Last the triggering of psoriasis flare-ups has also been linked to this drug class, in most cases in patients with a history of this disease [79, 80] (Fig. 5d).

New cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, cause a range of cutaneous toxicities that can lead to dose changes or discontinuation of various drugs. The constant addition of new substances and their combinations, especially in clinical trials, poses a challenge, in terms of both grading toxicities and managing them with specific dermatological treatment. Notable scales for grading cutaneous toxicity include the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), Version 4.03 [32, 81], produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and, more recently, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) EGFR Inhibitor Skin Toxicity Tool (MESTT) [82].

The CTCAE and MESTT scales grade dermatological toxicities from 1 to 5. As a general rule, a grade 1 toxicity is asymptomatic or involves few symptoms, which only requires diagnostic and clinical observation, and needs no specific treatment. Grade 2 or moderate toxicity requires non-invasive, local treatment. Grade 3 is severe, and the patient must be admitted to hospital. Grade 4 requires urgent treatment for a life-threatening condition, and Grade 5 means the patient died from the adverse effect.

The dermatological toxicity most often seen with targeted therapies relates to anti-EGFR drugs. It is caused by EGFR inhibition in the skin, and the most common form is papulopustular eruption [83, 84]. With immunotherapies, dermal toxicity occurs in 40–45% of patients, normally between weeks 3 and 6 of therapy [85, 86]. Whether to adjust or delay the dose or discontinue treatment is specified in the prescribing information for each drug. In general, we describe the steps to be taken according to drug class and the most representative toxicities. For EGFR inhibitors, the dose should be adjusted after the onset of cutaneous toxicity of grade 3 or above, or intolerable grade 2 toxicity. In these cases, treatment should be discontinued temporarily until the toxicity subsides to grade 1 or 2, respectively. It should then be resumed at a lower dose [87].

Monoclonal antibodies against VEGF/VEGFR cause delayed healing. The most representative drug of this class is bevacizumab. Withdrawal is recommended 6–8 weeks prior to planned surgery, followed by reintroduction 4 weeks after the operation. In the antiangiogenic drug class, in the case of multikinase inhibitors, it is recommended that therapy be discontinued 24–48 h prior to surgery, and 3–4 weeks should elapse before treatment resumes [52]. In all cases, therapy should stop until the wound is completely healed.

Hand-foot syndrome is also common and limiting with this drug class. Dose reduction is recommended if it occurs at grade 2. If it persists, or reaches grade 3 or above, the drug should be discontinued until the condition improves.

In the case of the RAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib, the onset of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and new primary melanomas is managed by monitoring these new lesions and removing them surgically, with no need for dose modification.

With the mTOR inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus, given the risk of dehiscence at the suture site, it is recommended that therapy be discontinued 7–10 days prior to surgery, and resumed not less than 3 weeks afterwards [52].

Last, during immunotherapy, the most common cutaneous toxicities are maculopapular rash, pruritus, and vitiligo. For clinical practice, it is suggested that grade 1 and mild grade 2 toxicities should be managed with supportive measures, and immunotherapy can continue. In the event of grade 3 or highly symptomatic grade 2 toxicities, the recommendation is to discontinue therapy temporarily until the symptoms become mild or have disappeared. It is then possible to resume it, once the risks and benefits have been discussed with the patient. With grade 4 toxicities, the therapy needs to be withdrawn permanently and the patient assessed urgently by a dermatologist [88].

Once the existence of cutaneous toxicity of grade 2 or above has been confirmed, the patient should be referred to the dermatology department, to commence specific treatment to improve the symptoms. Follow-up should take place. In the event of deterioration, the patient should be admitted to hospital and/or managed specifically as appropriate [81].

It is common for dermatological toxicities to occur while cancer patients are being treated with targeted therapies. Their onset may cause dose reductions and/or delays in treatment, thus compromising patient survival. Also, this toxicity has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and can affect their personal, social, and workplace relationships.

Cutaneous toxicity is most common with EGFR inhibitors, but it is not confined to this drug class. It also occurs with the use of TKIs, PDGFR, and BCR-ABL inhibitors, antiangiogenic drugs such as the monoclonal antibodies bevacizumab and ramucirumab, MAPK inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs.

The dermatological syndromes most often associated with these therapeutic targets are as follows: papulopustular eruption, the onset of which, in the case of anti-EGFR drugs, is related to greater overall survival; xerosis, and pruritus, sometimes combined with the above; hand-foot syndrome; rashes, often linked to multikinase inhibitors, and unrelated to efficacy in this case; abnormalities of the hair follicle and nail apparatus, linked to anti-EGFR drugs; pigmentary changes to the skin and its appendages; impaired healing due to antiangiogenic drug use; and neutrophilic dermatoses.

The toxicities most often caused by immunotherapy, with either anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, are maculopapular rash, pruritus, and vitiligo.

Whenever possible, these symptoms should be prevented. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is essential. Additionally, interdisciplinary cooperation between oncologists and dermatologists is critical to reduce the duration and severity of cutaneous toxicity, to optimize the delivery of therapy, and to improve patient survival.