Targeted Therapy

Every person doesn’t get every side effect. The severity of side effects varies greatly from person to person.

Skin problems

Many of the targeted therapy drugs can cause a rash or other skin changes. In fact, more than half the people taking certain drugs have some skin effects. These problems usually develop slowly over days to weeks and are not signs of a drug allergy. The most common skin change is a rash. The rash is mild for most people. It often looks like acne (but with no blackheads) and shows up on the scalp, face, neck, chest, and upper back. In severe cases it can affect other parts of the body.

Dry skin:

The skin can become very dry and scaly and may even crack open.

Itching:

Many of the skin changes, like rash or dryness, can cause itching. Red, sore cuticles (the areas around the nails).
Some targeted therapies cause swollen, red, open, and painful skin sores around the fingernails and toenails. A painful sensitivity of the hands and feet is the earliest symptom of Hand-foot syndrome. Then, redness and swelling start in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This redness looks a lot like sunburn and may blister. In severe cases, the blisters can open up and become sores. The affected skin also can become dry, peel, and crack. It may burn, tingle, or feel numb. Changes in hair growth: Hair on your head can become thin, dry and brittle, or even curly. Long-term use of targeted therapy may lead to bald patches or complete loss of scalp hair.

Minimizing The Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

Starting good skin care before side effects of targeted therapy begin may help to keep the problems to a minimum. You may do the following:

• Use a mild soap or body wash and shampoo that do not contain alcohol, perfume, or dye.
• Take baths instead of showers.
• Bathe with cool or lukewarm (instead of hot) water. Avoid hot, humid places.
• Moisturize your skin at least 2 times a day with a thick cream that contains no alcohol, perfume, or dye. Right after you bathe, while your skin is still damp, is the best time to do this.
• Do not use laundry detergents or fabric softeners with strong perfumes.
• Stay out of the sun. Wear hats, long sleeves, and sunscreen if you are outside during the day.
• Wear shoes that fit well and aren’t too tight. Thick, soft socks may help if you have shoes that are big enough for the extra bulk.

The Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

Some targeted therapy drugs can raise your blood pressure. Some people need medicine to bring their blood pressure down to a safe level while being treated with targeted therapy Angiogenesis inhibitors interfere with the formation of new blood vessels. This can lead to problems with bruising and bleeding, these drugs can also cause clots in the lungs and legs, as well as heart attacks and strokes. Let your doctor know if you have problems with sudden swelling, pain, or tenderness in the arm or leg. Other less common side effects of targeted therapy have also been linked to treatment with targeted therapies.

These include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Cough
• Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
• Headache
• Swelling in your hands and feet
• Low blood cell counts