Li, A.M., Miao, J.H., Liu, H., Ma, Y.Z., & Sun, Z.C. (2015). Drug-induced skin toxicity and clinical nursing of VitK cream on colorectal cancer patients. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 28(Suppl. 4), 1499–1503. Retrieved from http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/109346621/drug-induced-skin-…
To discuss the affect of 0.1% VitK1 cream on cetuximab-induced skin toxicity in patients with colorectal cancer
Routine nursing was implemented for all patients. The experimental group also received VitK1 cream smeared on the face, neck, chest, back, and nail edges three times on the day of cetuximab infusion at 9 am, 3 pm, and 9 pm.
Dry skin, itchy skin, acne-like rash, skin dehiscence, and paronychia were evaluated in both groups after four cycles of cetuximab therapy (56 days) using the Common Toxicity Criteria, version 3.0, assessment scale. No grade 4 results were observed in either group. No significant differences existed in acne-like rash, paronychia, or dehiscence in either group. A significant difference existed in skin dryness and itch, favoring the experimental group. All patients had skin toxicities. No reports of discomfort were received from the experimental group, receiving VitK1 cream.
The VitK1 cream appeared to reduce skin dryness and itching.
Reducing or improving the existence of skin toxicities from cetuximab therapies allows patients to stay on therapies without an extreme decrease in quality of life. VitK1 cream had not been available in China; therefore, this study used the compounding of this cream with specific directions. Safeguarding the production of emollients and creams from compounding pharmacies has met recent scrutiny. Nurses need to ensure consistency with medical interventions when able. Providing for symptom management options, such as VitK1 cream, should promote patient adherence to therapy and improve outcomes. Few interventions have been shown effective for the prevention and management of skin toxicities. Further research is needed.