DERMATOLOGICAL CARE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TREATMENT WITH CETUXIMAB
European Statement
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Author(s)
Elena Blanco Saiz
Why was it done?
It is estimated that over 80% of patients receiving treatment with cetuximab experience acneiform eruptions and/or skin dryness and flaking. Approximately 15% of these cutaneous reactions are severe, including cases of skin necrosis.
These skin lesions may predispose patients to secondary infections, potentially leading to complications such as cellulitis, erysipelas, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, or sepsis, which can result in death.
What was done?
A kit consisting of an alcohol-free moisturizing cream, an alcohol-free gel, and a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 100 was provided to patients undergoing treatment with cetuximab for daily skin care.
How was it done?
When the oncology department prescribes cetuximab, the patient is informed that a kit will soon be dispensed.
The pharmacy service reviews daily the patients who will initiate treatment with cetuximab in the day treatment center. If there is a patient starting treatment, nursing staff notify us when they arrive at the center, and the pharmacy dispenses a kit while explaining its contents.
We periodically call the patient to check whether they are continuing to use it correctly, if they have noticed any changes in their skin, what changes they have observed, and whether they have needed to take antibiotics and/or topical corticosteroids.
What has been achieved?
• To date, the kit has been dispensed to 21 patients undergoing treatment with cetuximab.
• It empowers patients by actively involving them in their care.
• It prioritizes the overall well-being of the patient, as it may prevent the onset of dermatological side effects and the use of topical corticosteroids and oral antibiotics.
• The process facilitates the pharmacist’s engagement with the patient in the day treatment center and throughout the treatment, allowing for addressing concerns, answering questions, and providing information about adverse effects.
• It promotes the creation of a multidisciplinary team by involving collaboration between oncology, nursing, and pharmacy.
What next?
We present a practical approach that enhances patient safety during the oncology process.
This practice can be adopted by any center.
It is necessary to continue collecting data to obtain reliable results regarding its impact on improving patient safety.