Management of the cutaneous adverse effects of antimelanoma therapy

Abstract

The advent of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of advanced melanoma. However, these novel therapies are associated with adverse effects (AEs), of which cutaneous toxicities are the most frequently observed. These cutaneous AEs can exert significant morbidity and impact on patient quality of life, hence the recognition and management of AEs is fundamental in preventing interruption or cessation of survival-prolonging treatments. Additionally, knowledge of these AEs are necessary in order for healthcare professionals to counsel patients when starting treatment and in the initiation of AE prophylaxis. The incidence and clinical presentation of the cutaneous toxicities of novel melanoma therapies will be discussed, and treatment guidelines provided.