Dermatologic symptoms associated with the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib (Nexavar) is associated with a relatively high incidence of dermatologic symptoms.

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to evaluate and provide guidance on the diagnosis and clinical management of dermatologic symptoms associated with sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors.

METHODS:

English-language studies representative of a patient population with a variety of tumor types, who received single-agent sorafenib, were selected. Particular emphasis was placed on the phase III Treatment Approaches in Renal Cancer Global Evaluation Trial (TARGETs).

RESULTS:

Frequently observed dermatologic side effects (any grade in TARGETs) of sorafenib include rash/desquamation (40%), hand-foot skin reaction (30%), alopecia (27%), and pruritus (19%). Generally, dermatologic symptoms resolve with appropriate management, including topical treatments, dose interruptions, dose reductions, or a combination of these.

LIMITATIONS:

The results presented here are based on a limited number of studies.

CONCLUSION:

Although sorafenib is associated with dermatologic symptoms, these are usually resolved with appropriate intervention, patient-led practical treatment, and preventative measures.

• Authors: Caroline Robert, Christina Mateus, Alain Spatz, Janine Wechsler, Bernard Escudier
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 60 Issue 2 Pg. 299-305 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19028406 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Benzenesulfonates
• Phenylurea Compounds
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• Pyridines
• Niacinamide
• Sorafenib

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Benzenesulfonates (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Niacinamide (analogs & derivatives)
• Phenylurea Compounds
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Pyridines (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Skin Diseases (chemically induced)
• Sorafenib