Drug-induced photosensitivity associated with anticancer therapies.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the promising results in terms of effectiveness of anticancer treatments, a wide range of dermatologic adverse reactions have been reported. Among them, skin photosensitivity, defined as a range of dermatologic conditions caused or exacerbated by sunlight exposure, is an emerging adverse event. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A review of the current literature was performed to report the most characteristic phototoxic and photoallergic reactions associated with anticancer therapies, as well as other characteristic manifestations potentially related to photo-exposure, including UV recall, vitiligo-like reactions, drug-induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and UV-induced hyperpigmentation. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 30 manuscripts were collected in the present review, reporting several phototoxic and photoallergic reactions associated with anticancer therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Photosensitivity reactions are an increasing challenge in cancer management. The raising awareness about this adverse event has increased the identification of potential photosensitizing drugs as well as its prevention and the management. However, more studies are required to improve the knowledge of this cutaneous toxicity and to define a personalized treatment strategy.

Case Report: Mixed Airborne Contact Dermatitis-Chronic Actinic Dermatitis Pattern of Parthenium Dermatitis with Response to Tofacitinib Therapy.

Parthenium hysterophorus is the commonest cause of plant dermatitis in India. It classically causes airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD), characterized by pruritic, eczematous, and lichenified lesions involving predominantly the face and flexural areas. Over time, however, a transition to chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) pattern, with prominent involvement of sun-exposed sites, may occur. Management involves strict protective measures and topical and oral corticosteroids or immunomodulatory agents but often leads to only limited success. We report a patient with a chronic and extensive mixed ABCD-CAD pattern of parthenium dermatitis recalcitrant to conventional treatment, with rapid resolution after initiation of treatment with tofacitinib.

Ocorrência de carcinoma espinocelular labial não melanocítico em usuários crônicos de hidroclorotiazida / Occurrence of non-melanoma labial squamous cell carcinoma in chronic users of hydrochlorothiazide

Diversos autores desenvolveram estudos acerca da potencial associação entre a etiocarcinogênese do carcinoma espinocelular não melanocítico (CECNM) labial e o uso crônico da hidroclorotiazida (HCTZ). Objetivo: A atual revisão objetivou investigar a relação do diurético HCTZ e o risco de CECNM labial. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura nas bases de dados LILACS, PUBMED/MEDLINE e Periódico CAPES, em que foram incluídos artigos em inglês, português e francês, publicados no período de 2017 a 2022. Foram propostos 60 documentos e, dentre esses, 30 foram selecionados para compor a amostra no estudo. Resultados: Foi evidenciada uma relação entre o uso da HCTZ e a ocorrência de CENM com relação dose cumulativa devido às alterações provocadas pelo fármaco, no entanto, em virtude da heterogeneidade de desenhos metodológicos e concentração dos estudos em populações semelhantes, existem limitações quanto à confiabilidade dessas informações. Conclusão: Identificou-se uma desproporção entre a ocorrência e relevância do CENM e a produção científica vigente, demonstrando a necessidade de estudos com metodologias padronizadas que abranjam diferentes especificidades socioeconômicas e demográficas.(AU)

Several authors have developed studies about a potential association between the etiocarcinogenesis of non-melanocytic lip squamous cell carcinoma (NMSCC) and the chronic use of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relation between the diuretic HCTZ and the risk of lip NMSCC. Methods: A literature review was carried out in the LILACS, PUBMED/MEDLINE and CAPES Periodical databases, which included articles in English, Portuguese and French, published between 2017 and 2022. Sixty documents were collected and, among these, 30 were selected to compose the sample in the study. Results: There was evidence of a relationship between the use of HCTZ and the occurrence of MSCC with a cumulative dose relationship due to changes caused by the drug, however, because of the heterogeneity of methodological designs and concentration of studies in similar populations, there are limitations regarding the reliability of this information. Conclusion: A disproportion between the occurrence and relevance of the NMSCC and the current scientific production was identified, demonstrating the need for studies with standardized methodologies that cover different demographic socioeconomic specificities.(AU)

What is the relationship between photosensitizing drugs and skin cancer?

ABSTRACT: Many medications are associated with phototoxicity or photoallergy, the two types of photosensitivity. Recently, a warning related to increased skin cancer risk was added to the labeling of the popular diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. This article reviews some photosensitizing medications and describes patient education on preventing and recognizing photosensitivity reactions and skin cancer.

[Current problems of polypharmacy in geriatric patients when taking drugs with a risk of photosensitivity.]

The article presents an overview of the current problems of polypharmacy in geriatric patients when taking drugs with a risk of photosensitivity. The article contains information about emerging adverse drug reactions, as well as methods for diagnosing, correcting and preventing phototoxic and photoallergic reactions in patients of older age groups. The main aspects of dermatological support in the system of long-term care for geriatric patients when taking drugs with a risk of photosensitivity are outlined. Clinical signs of senile xerosis and skin manifestations of adverse drug reactions were studied when taking drugs with the risk of photosensitization before and after the use of a photoprotector in elderly patients.

Efficacy Of Methotrexate Versus Azathioprine In The Treatment Of Chronic Actinic Dermatitis: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Azathioprine is first line immunosuppressive agent in treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis. The role of methotrexate has been effective in different dermatosis and it seems reasonable to use it in the treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis. Aims: We sought to compare the efficacy of methotrexate versus azathioprine in treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis. Methods: Patients with chronic actinic dermatitis were randomized to receive methotrexate in group A and azathioprine in group B. The response to treatment in terms of percentage PASI reduction and side effects of medications were assessed 12 weeks follow-up. Results: In group A, the percentage PASI reduction was <25% in 2 (1.19%) patients, 25-49% in 47 (27.9%) patients, 50-74% was achieved by 35 (20.8%) patients while in group B, the percentage PASI reduction of 25% was achieved by 2 (1.19%) patients, 25-49% in 45 (26.7%) patients, 50-74% in 37 (22.0%) patients. More than or equal to 75 percentage PASI reduction was not achieved by any patient in the study. Both drugs were found efficacious in treatment of CAD. A total of 23 (27.38%) patients in group A and 22 (26.19%) patients in group B showed derangement in laboratory investigations during 12 weeks treatment. The limitation of study was inability to do photo-patch test, so patients were diagnosed clinically and biopsy was done in clinically challenging cases. Conclusion: : This study shows that methotrexate is equally effective as azathioprine in the treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis with its added benefits of being cost effective and better safety profile.

Insights into proton pump inhibitor-induced photosensitivity: An observational study in a tertiary photobiology service.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are extensively prescribed but may cause photosensitivity and drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE), which can be overlooked as the drug may have been taken for years prior to presentation. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and investigation findings of patients diagnosed with PPI-induced photosensitivity, diagnosed through the Scottish Photobiology Service. RESULTS: We report 11 patients with median age of onset 61-years and mean duration of PPI ingestion of 5-years [DILE (n = 6), phototoxicity (n = 3) and drug-induced solar urticaria through a lupus mechanism (n = 2)]. Five had Anti-Ro antibodies (three also ANA positive). Predominantly UVA and visible light photosensitivity was observed on phototesting. DISCUSSION: PPIs are a reversible cause of photosensitivity and DILE. Time to onset from drug initiation to symptoms can be prolonged, so clinicians should have a high index of suspicion in those taking PPIs. Most are diagnosed through clinical assessment and lupus serology, with phototesting indicated if there is diagnostic uncertainty.