Wehler, T.C., Graf, C., Mohler, M., Herzog, J., Berger, M.R., Gockel, I., ... Schimanski, C.C. (2013). Cetuximab-induced skin exanthema: Prophylactic and reactive skin therapy are equally effective. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 139(10), 1667–1672.
To determine the effectiveness of several treatment options in decreasing cetuximab-induced skin exanthema in three study populations: the historic group (no standard skin treatment); the proactive skin therapy group; and the reactive skin therapy group
Retrospective analysis
Using this simple reactive skin protocol can prevent the exacerbation of cetuximab-induced follicular exanthema. This therapy can stabilize exanthema development. Results of the prophylactic skin treatment cohort showed equally effective, but not superior, results in preventing skin toxicity ≥ grade 2. Both groups B and C had lower therapy interruptions.
Nurses need to assess for exanthema, which generally develops within one to four weeks of initiating cetuximab. Prophylactic and reactive skin protocols are equally effective and may be easier to handle in practice. Both prophylactic and reactive skin treatments reduce higher grades of exanthema, which can lead to therapy cessation.