Risk of hand-foot skin reaction with the novel multikinase inhibitor regorafenib: a meta-analysis

Relationship between hand-foot skin reaction and external force on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study

PURPOSE

Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), a side effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, makes it difficult to walk and perform daily activities because of pain in the limbs. HFSR occurs predominantly in the sites where external forces (pressure and shear stress) are applied. This study aimed to determine whether pressure or shear stress induces the occurrence of HFSR.

METHODS

This cohort study was conducted in patients who received TKI treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. The external forces applied to the sole of the patients' foot while walking was measured, and its association with the occurrence of HFSR was examined. The degree of HFSR was assessed by the patient's response during the examination and by photographs of their feet. The patients' feet were divided into low (grade <2) or high (grade ≥2) HFSR foot group, and the differences in external forces between the groups were analyzed using t-test and Cox hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of the feet of 55 study participants (n = 110) showed no significant difference between the groups on t-test (p ≥ 0.05), however, Cox hazard analysis showed an increased risk of HFSR with higher peak shear stress values at the fifth metatarsal head (hazard ratio = 1.01, p = 0.047; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.02).

CONCLUSION

Shear stress is possibly related to HFSR occurrence. Nurses should assess whether patients' shoes fit their feet before initiating TKI treatment. They should instruct patients to wear shoes that are fit of both diameter and width for their feet.

A Potential Association of Zinc Deficiency and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Hand-Foot Skin Reaction

Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is a common skin-related adverse event induced by multikinase inhibitors targeting both platelet-derived growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, possibly due to inadequate repair following frictional trauma. Zinc is a trace element and essential nutrient in humans that plays critical roles in the development and differentiation of skin cells. Zinc transporters (Zrt- and Irt-like proteins and Zn transporters) and metallothioneins are involved in zinc efflux, uptake, and homeostasis and have been reported to be involved in skin differentiation. The underlying mechanism of HFSR remains unclear, and the association between HFSR and zinc has not been previously studied. However, some case reports and case series provide potential evidence to suggest that zinc deficiency may be involved in HFSR development and zinc supplementation may relieve HFSR symptoms. However, no large-scale clinical studies have been conducted to examine this role. Therefore, this review summarizes the evidence supporting a possible link between HFSR development and zinc and proposes potential mechanisms underlying this association based on current evidence.

Efficacy of aluminum chloride in severe regorafenib-associated hand-foot skin reactions: a single-arm trial

BACKGROUND

Regorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, causes a high frequency of hand-foot skin reactions (HFSRs). The present study evaluated the efficacy of topical aluminum chloride, a perspiration suppressant, in reducing the severity of hand-foot skin reactions (HFSRs) caused by regorafenib.

METHODS

The present single-arm study included patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving regorafenib. Aluminum chloride ointment was applied topically one week prior to the start of regorafenib treatment, and the observation period was 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of regorafenib-related grade 3 HFSR. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of all grades of HFSR, time to any grade of HFSR, time to improvement from grade 2 or higher to grade 1 or lower, treatment discontinuation rate, treatment interruption rate or dosage reduction due to HFSR, and incidence of adverse effects of aluminum chloride.

RESULTS

In total 28 patients were enrolled, and 27 patients were analyzed. The incidence of grade 3 HFSR was 7.4%, meeting the primary endpoint. The incidence of all grades of HFSR was 66.7%, and the median time to the occurrence of any grade of HFSR was 15 days. No patients discontinued or reduced the regorafenib dosage because of HFSR. The most common reason for the interruption of regorafenib therapy was liver dysfunction in nine patients (33%) and HFSR in three patients (11%). No serious adverse events related to aluminum chloride were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Aluminum chloride ointment, a drug commonly used in routine practice to treat hyperhidrosis, is safe to use, has no serious side effects, and may be effective in reducing the occurrence of severe, regorafenib-related HFSR.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov. identifier: jRCTs031180096, Registered on 25/01/2019.

Two important factors affecting the prognosis of patients treated with sorafenib followed by regorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective

To investigate the effects of hand–foot syndrome (HFS) and fatigue on disease progression and survival in patients treated with sorafenib followed by regorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib in our hospital from 1 October 2018 to 31 October 2021 was performed, and clinical and pathological data and follow-up results were obtained. Patients were divided into groups according to the severity of HFS and fatigue. Survival analysis among the groups was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, continuous variables were analyzed using the t-test, and factors associated with survival were evaluated using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

The study included 150 men and 23 women with a mean age of 60.77 years (range: 40–85 years). The median overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time to tumor progression (TTP) increased with increasing severity of HFS. Conversely, the median OS, PFS, and TTP decreased with increasing severity of fatigue

Conclusion

HFS and fatigue were independent risk factors affecting TTP, PFS, and OS among patients treated with sorafenib followed by regorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Side Effects in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Patients Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), resulting in a substantial gain in median overall survival. Subsequently, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become more relevant. Here, we systematically review the available literature on HRQoL issues and side effects of different TKIs registered for the treatment of GIST.

METHODS

A search through five databases was performed. Full reports in English describing HRQoL outcomes and/or side effects in GIST patients on TKI therapy were included.

RESULTS

A total of 104 papers were included; 13 studies addressed HRQoL, and 96 studies investigated adverse events. HRQoL in patients treated with imatinib, regorafenib, and ripretinib remained stable, whereas most sunitinib-treated patients reported a decrease in HRQoL. Severe fatigue and fear of recurrence or progression were specifically assessed as HRQoL issues and had a negative impact on overall HRQoL as well as psychological and physical well-being. The majority of studies focused on physician-reported side effects. Nearly all GIST patients treated with a TKI experienced at least one adverse event, mostly mild to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that almost all patients treated with a TKI experienced side effects, this did not seem to affect overall HRQoL during TKI therapy. In daily practice, it are the side effects that hamper a patient's HRQoL resulting in treatment adjustments, suggesting that the reported side effects were underestimated by physicians, or the measures used to assess HRQoL do not capture all relevant issues that determine a GIST patient's HRQoL.

Discrimination of hand-foot skin reaction caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors based on direct keratinocyte toxicity and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 inhibition

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are molecular-targeted anticancer drugs. Their benefits are limited by dermal toxicities, including hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), which is commonly found in skin areas subjected to friction. The present study aimed to explain the incidence of HFSR in patients treated with TKIs by focusing on keratinocyte toxicity and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), which plays an essential role in angiogenesis. Mice with gene knockout for the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 exhibited HFSR-like phenotypes, such as cytotoxicity in keratinocytes and increased number and size of blood vessels after repeated doses of regorafenib, sorafenib, and pazopanib, all of which cause high incidence of HFSR, in combination with tape-stripping mimicking skin damage at the friction site. Comprehensive examination of the direct cytotoxic effects of 21 TKIs on primary cultured human keratinocytes revealed that 18 of them reduced the cell viability dose-dependently. Importantly, the ratio of the trough concentration in patients (C_trough) to the LC₅₀ values of cell viability reduction was higher than unity for four HFSR-inducing TKIs, suggesting that these TKIs cause keratinocyte toxicity at clinically relevant concentrations. In addition, eight HFSR-inducing TKIs caused inhibition of VEGFR-2 kinase activity, which was validated by their ratios of C_trough to the obtained IC_50,VEGFR-2 of more than unity. All 12 TKIs with no reported incidence of HFSR exhibited less than unity values for both C_trough/LC_{50,keratinocytes} and C_trough/IC_50,VEGFR-2. These results suggested that a combination of keratinocyte toxicity and VEGFR-2 inhibition may explain the incidence of HFSR upon TKI usage in humans.

Preliminary Efficacy and Safety of Camrelizumab in Combination With XELOX Plus Bevacizumab or Regorafenib in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study

Background

For a majority of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with MS stable (MSS) or mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), the role of immunotherapy is undetermined. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab when added to XELOX chemotherapy plus bevacizumab or regorafenib as first-line therapy for mCRC.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of mCRC patients who received camrelizumab and XELOX plus bevacizumab or regorafenib at the First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University between June 1, 2019, and April 30, 2021, were retrospectively collected. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and side effects of the drug were recorded and reviewed.

Results

Twenty-five eligible patients received combination therapy, including bevacizumab in 19 patients and regorafenib in 6. Twenty-one patients had pMMR/MSS and one MSI-H. Of the 25 patients who could be evaluated for efficacy, 18 (72%) achieved PR, 6 (24%) achieved SD, and 1 (4%) achieved PD. The ORR and DCR were 72% (18/25) and 96% (24/25), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.2 months (95% CI 8.9–13.9), and OS had not yet been reached. The combination regimen of regorafenib in six (24%) patients was unassociated with treatment outcomes. Most AEs were either grade 1 or 2, and treatment-related grade 3 toxicities were observed in 8/25 (32%) patients.

Conclusion

Camrelizumab combined with XELOX plus bevacizumab or regorafenib was feasible, producing high rates of responses as first-line therapy in unselected Chinese patients with MSS mCRC. The toxicities were generally tolerable and manageable. Prospective randomized trials with large sample sizes are needed to evaluate these findings.

Efficacy of compound traditional Chinese medicine oil in alleviating regorafenib-induced hand–foot skin reaction

Objective

Regofinib is a novel, oral, anticancer target which greatly improves survival of patients with colorectal cancer. However, it causes 47%–71% patients occur hand–foot skin reaction (HFSR), which affects the quality of life (QOL) or prognosis of patients. However targeted and effective methods are rare. The study attempted to test the efficacy of the compound traditional Chinese medicine (CTCM) oil in relieving HFSR and improving the QOL.

Methods

The present study was conducted in 85 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer presenting with HFSR from July 2019 to June 2020. These patients were divided into the control group (n = 42) and the intervention group (n = 43). The HFSR in the control group was managed using traditional methods, whereas that in the intervention group was treated with a CTCM oil comprising five selected herbs. This oil functions by regulating the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, inflammatory factors, and immune status, and it was provided to the patients to apply externally twice a day. HFSR remission and QOL were evaluated in both groups after 2 weeks of intervention.

Results

The post-intervention HFSR remission rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (65.1% vs. 16.7%) (P < 0.01). The overall QOL, physical function, social function, and emotional function of the patients in the intervention group were significantly improved (P < 0.05), whereas the pain symptoms were more significantly improved (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The CTCM oil can effectively alleviate HFSR and improve the QOL of patients using regorafenib.

Diverse landscape of dermatologic toxicities from small-molecule inhibitor cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Advances in molecular biology and genetics have contributed to breakthrough treatments directed at specific pathways associated with the development of cancer. Small-molecule inhibitors (Nibs) aimed at a variety of cellular pathways have been efficacious; however, they are associated with significant dermatologic toxicities.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of dermatologic toxicities associated with Nibs categorized into the following five groups: (a) mitogen-activated protein kinase; (b) growth factor/multi-tyrosine kinase; (c) cell division/DNA repair; (d) signaling associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms; and (e) other signaling pathways. Prospective phase I, II, or III clinical trials, retrospective literature reviews, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and case reviews/reports were included for analysis.

RESULTS

Dermatologic toxicities reviewed were associated with every class of Nibs and ranged from mild to severe or life-threatening adverse skin reactions. Inflammatory reactions manifesting as maculopapular, papulopustular/acneiform, and eczematous lesions were frequent types of dermatologic toxicities seen with Nibs. Squamous cell carcinoma with keratoacanthoma-like features was associated with a subset of Nibs. Substantial overlap in dermatologic toxicities was found between Nibs.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermatologic toxicities from Nibs are diverse and may overlap between classes of Nibs. Recognition of the various types of toxicities from Nibs is critical for patient care in the era of "oncodermatology/dermatopathology."

Hyperkeratotic Skin Adverse Events Induced by Anticancer Treatments: A Comprehensive Review

Hyperkeratotic skin adverse events are a group of toxic effects, characterized by the disruption of epidermal homeostasis and interaction with keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation or keratinocyte survival, and frequently reported with systemic anticancer treatments. These types of reactions include hand-foot skin reaction or palmoplantar keratoderma, induced psoriasis, keratosis pilaris-like or pityriasis rubra pilaris-like rashes, Grover's disease, and contact hyperkeratosis. Cutaneous squamoproliferative lesions are also described because of the presence of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation. They are usually observed with tyrosine kinase inhibitors but have also been described in association with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Their pathogenesis is related mainly to the disruption of epidermal homeostasis and interaction with keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation or keratinocyte survival caused by anticancer treatment. Early recognition and adequate management are critical to prevent exacerbation of the lesions, to limit treatment interruption, and to minimize impairment of quality of life. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the presentation, pathogenesis, and management of secondary hyperkeratotic reactions to anticancer therapies. It also includes hyperkeratotic reactions that have been more recently described with newly approved targeted therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as keratosis pilaris-like exanthema with second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitors, lamellar ichthyosis-like lesions with ponatinib, pityriasis rubra pilaris with the newly approved selective phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor idelalisib, or psoriasis with anti-programmed death-1 and programmed death ligand-1.

Colon Cancer, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

This selection from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Colon Cancer focuses on systemic therapy options for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), because important updates have recently been made to this section. These updates include recommendations for first-line use of checkpoint inhibitors for mCRC, that is deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high, recommendations related to the use of biosimilars, and expanded recommendations for biomarker testing. The systemic therapy recommendations now include targeted therapy options for patients with mCRC that is HER2-amplified, or BRAF V600E mutation-positive. Treatment and management of nonmetastatic or resectable/ablatable metastatic disease are discussed in the complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer available at NCCN.org. Additional topics covered in the complete version include risk assessment, staging, pathology, posttreatment surveillance, and survivorship.

Regorafenib, an investigational agent for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Cholangiocarcinoma is a prevalent gastrointestinal cancer with a high mortality rate. A limited number of cholangiocarcinoma patients are diagnosed with early-stage disease but unfortunately, most patients present with an advanced-stage disease which is not amenable to curative surgical resection.

AREAS COVERED

We discuss regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, which has been investigated as a therapeutic agent in advanced stage biliary tract cancer patients in phase II trials. We examined the efficacy and toxicity of this agent and its potential in this patient population in the future. We also provide further insights on novel approaches to optimize the efficacy of regorafenib in cholangiocarcinoma patients.

EXPERT OPINION

The recent phase II trials of single-agent regorafenib in advanced stage biliary tumors revealed a modest activity in non enriched patient population and is currently part of the national comprehensive cancer network (NCCN) guidelines (Level 2B) in the refractory setting. However, more opportunities for this agent exist in combination approaches with other therapeutics such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is also important to recognize that the paradigm has significantly shifted for targeted therapy to more specific and more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting specific actionable genes.

Current Treatment Options for HCC: From Pharmacokinetics to Efficacy and Adverse Events in Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the world's most common cancers. For over ten years, the only medical treatment for it has been the multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib. Currently, however, other first or second-line therapeutic options have also shown efficacy against HCC, such as multikinase inhibitors (Regorafenib, Lenvatinib, and Cabozantinib), a monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Ramucirumab), and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab).

AIM

The aim of this paper is to review the metabolic pathways of drugs that have been tested for the treatment of HCC and the potential influence of liver failure over those pathways.

METHODS

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s and European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s datasheets, results from clinical trials and observational studies have been reviewed.

RESULTS

This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding targets, metabolic pathways, drug interactions, and adverse events of medical treatments for HCC in cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSION

The new scenario of systemic HCC therapy includes more active drugs with different metabolic pathways and different liver adverse events. Clinical and pharmacological studies providing more data on the safety of these molecules are urgently needed.

CK19-positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a Characteristic Subtype

The heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly leads to therapeutic failure of HCC. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) is well acknowledged as a biliary/progenitor cell marker and a marker of tumor stem cell. CK19-positive HCCs demonstrate aggressive behaviors and poor outcomes which including worse overall survival and early tumor recurrence after hepatectomy and liver transplantation. CK19-positive HCCs are resistant to chemotherapies as well as local treatment. This subset of HCC is thought to derive from liver progenitor cells and can be induced by extracellular stimulation such as hypoxia. Besides being a stemness marker, CK19 plays an important role in promoting malignant property of HCC. The regulatory network associated with CK19 expression has been summarized that extracellular stimulations which transmit into cytoplasm through signal transduction pathways (TGF-β, MAKP/JNK and MEK-ERK1/2), further induce important nuclear transcriptional factors (SALL4, AP1, SP1) to activate CK19 promoter. Novel noncoding RNAs are also involved in the regulation of CK19 expression. TGFβR1 becomes a therapeutic target for CK19-positive HCC. In conclusion, CK19 can be a potential biomarker for predicting poor prognosis after surgical and adjuvant therapies. CK19-pisitive HCCs exhibit distinctive molecular profiling, should be diagnosed and treated as a separate subtype of HCCs.

Clinical study for external Chinese herbal medicine LC09 treating hand-foot skin reaction associated with the antitumor targeted drugs: Protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, and monocentric clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Molecular targeted anticancer drugs such as multikinase inhibitors have shown obvious therapeutic advantages in a variety of tumors. The occurrence of hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is positively correlated with therapeutic effect, but it is also the most common cause of dose limiting toxicity for this treatment. This can lead to interruption or decrement of the treatment, a reduction in quality of life for patients, as well as potentially leading to secondary infections. As a result, the curative effect of targeted anticancer drugs will be negatively impacted. Currently, there is no certain and effective therapy. External use of Chinese herb medicine LC09 in the early treatment of HFSR has shown positive outcomes, but it is necessary to carry out further clinical research to confirm.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical soaks of Chinese herbal medicine LC09 for HFSR induced by molecular targeted anticancer drugs.

METHODS

The trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, monocentric, and interventional study. A total of 66 patients with HFSR will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either LC09 Granules or placebo. The primary outcomes are the assessment of HFSR grade and pain score. The secondary outcomes are the evaluation of the quality of life, incidence of targeted drug dosage reduction, and incidence of targeted drug withdrawal.

DISCUSSION

This prospective, randomized clinical trial will provide valuable data regarding the efficacy and safety of topical soak treatments with LC09 granules for HFSR. Positive results would provide evidence-based complementary therapeutic approach future treatments of HFSR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900023679. Registered on 7 June 2019.

Solute Carrier Transportome in Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Drug Reactions

Members of the solute carrier (SLC) family of transporters are responsible for the cellular influx of a broad range of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. These proteins are highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminating organs such as the liver and kidney, and are considered to be of particular importance in governing drug absorption and elimination. Many of the same transporters are also expressed in a wide variety of organs targeted by clinically important anticancer drugs, directly affect cellular sensitivity to these agents, and indirectly influence treatment-related side effects. Furthermore, targeted intervention strategies involving the use of transport inhibitors have been recently developed, and have provided promising lead candidates for combinatorial therapies associated with decreased toxicity. Gaining a better understanding of the complex interplay between transporter-mediated on-target and off-target drug disposition will help guide the further development of these novel treatment strategies to prevent drug accumulation in toxicity-associated organs, and improve the safety of currently available treatment modalities. In this report, we provide an update on this rapidly emerging field with particular emphasis on anticancer drugs belonging to the classes of taxanes, platinum derivatives, nucleoside analogs, and anthracyclines.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of regorafenib and its metabolite M5 can predict treatment efficacy and the occurrence of skin toxicities

BACKGROUND

Regorafenib is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and the use of this drug is approved for the treatment of cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy, which include advanced colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the drug causes adverse events, including skin toxicities that require dose modification in approximately 75% of cases. At present, the blood concentration of regorafenib is not assessed in clinical settings; thus, we recently developed a method that can assess the blood concentration of the drug using high-performance liquid chromatography.

METHODS

We measured the trough blood concentrations (C_trough) of regorafenib and its metabolites (M2 and M5) in 14 and 4 patients with advanced colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, respectively, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the correlation between the C_trough and therapeutic outcomes of regorafenib was analyzed.

RESULTS

In patients who were receiving regorafenib 40-160 mg/day, the C_trough values of regorafenib, M2, and M5 were 318-9467, 34-3594, and 38-3796 ng/mL, respectively. The difference in the values was significant. Although the specific factors influencing this difference were not elucidated, the C_trough of regorafenib was extremely lower in some patients, even though the drug was administered at a standard dose, which may explain the lower response rate. Moreover, the C_trough value of M5 was significantly correlated to the incidence of skin toxicities, which is the most frequent cause of dose modification.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of regorafenib may not be suitable in patients with a low C_trough value. To prevent skin toxicities, the C_trough value of M5 should be monitored.

Meta-Analysis of Regorafenib-Associated Adverse Events and Their Management in Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Stromal Cancers

INTRODUCTION

To assess the risk factors associated with regorafenib-related adverse events (AEs) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We also evaluated different measures of combatting AEs and their success rate to aid physicians in early identification and management of reported AEs.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted through the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to May 2018 according to the pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pooled estimates with Pearson correlation were obtained with fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

From our analysis, it was evident that AEs were more common in patients aged less than 65 years compared to those aged at least 65 years (71.3% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the occurrence of AEs and a dose of 160 mg (r = 0.967; p = 0.001) while no significant correlation was found at 120 mg and 80 mg. The common measures used to manage AEs included lowering the regorafenib dose (41%), intermittent drug withdrawal (66.7%), and complete drug withdrawal (19%). About 57% of patients recovered from AE after their initiating dose was lowered.

CONCLUSION

Regorafenib-associated AEs are more common at an initiating dose of 160 mg. Considering that the efficacy depends on the dosage, 120 mg might be a better choice for mCRC and GIST patients; further studies are needed to validate the results of our analysis. Further prompt identification and management of AEs are required to help the patients continue with drug therapy.

Risk of hand-foot skin reaction associated with vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A meta-analysis of 57 randomized controlled trials involving 24,956 patients

BACKGROUND

Multiple randomized controlled trials have assessed hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) caused by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs).

OBJECTIVE

We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence and the relative risk (RR) of HFSR associated with these agents.

METHODS

Databases were searched for relevant studies. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidences, RR, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using random-effects or fixed-effects models according to the heterogeneity of the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 24,956 patients from 57 studies were included. The overall incidence of all-grade and high-grade HFSR associated with VEGFR-TKIs was 35.0% (95% CI, 28.6%-41.6%) and 9.7% (95% CI, 7.3%-12.3%), respectively. The use of VEGFR-TKIs significantly increased the risk of developing all-grade (RR, 5.09; 95% CI, 3.52-7.35; P < .001) and high-grade (RR, 9.42; 95% CI, 5.59-15.90; P < .001) HFSR. Subgroup analyses revealed that the risk of HFSR was significantly increased according to tumor type, VEGFR-TKI, trial phase, treatment regimen, and control therapy. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

LIMITATION

High heterogeneity in most studies.

CONCLUSION

High risk of HFSR is prone to develop in cancer patients receiving VEGFR-TKIs.

A case report for severe hand-foot skin reaction caused by chemotherapy with actinomycin D in a patient with oculocutaneous albinism

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTN) are highly curable tumors, with an overall patient survival of 90%, due to the individualized chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy regimens vary between different treatment centers and the comparable benefits and risks of these different regimens are unclear. Here, we reported a case of GTN with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is resistant to fluorouracil (5-FU), extremely sensitive to actinomycin D (Act-D) with severe hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR). We hypothesized that the known, or unknown, gene mutations might be correlated with drug resistance, supersensitivity and severe drug side effects in OCA patients. Thus, we considered that OCA related genes influence some drug sensitivity and that the absence of melanin likely contributes to some drug resistance. It is important to assess the OCA related gene mutations locus of drug sensitivity, and resistance in OCA patients in future research.

Association of Hand-Foot Skin Reaction with Regorafenib Efficacy in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) can deteriorate quality of life in patients receiving regorafenib. Cutaneous toxicity is a main adverse effect of multikinase inhibitors and has also been associated with clinical outcome. This study assessed the association between the antitumor efficacy of regorafenib and HFSR in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

Patients who received regorafenib at 160 mg/day during the first 3 weeks of each 4-week cycle were divided into subgroups based on whether they developed HFSR between May 2013 and October 2015. Estimates of overall survival and progression-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients received at least one dose of regorafenib in this retrospective study. Of these patients, 81.4% (n = 79) experienced HFSR of any grade, and 34.0% (n = 33) had grade 3 HFSR. Among those patients with HFSR at any time during the study, 68.0% (n = 66) underwent the first HFSR event (any grade) during cycle 1. Both overall survival and progression-free survival were improved in patients who had HFSR grade ≥2 at any time compared with those who had HFSR grade ≤1. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a history of HFSR grade ≥2 induced by capecitabine as a significant risk factor for severe HFSR (grade ≥2).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mCRC treated using regorafenib who experienced severe HFSR showed better overall survival than patients without severe HFSR. Severe HFSR may offer an early surrogate marker for the efficacy of regorafenib in patients with mCRC.

Regorafenib: a promising treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors with 854,000 new cases per year and represents the second most frequent cause of cancer-death. Despite surveillance, the number of patients that are diagnosed at a stage in which they are eligible for curative treatments ranges from 30% to 60%. Advanced HCC (BCLC-C) is characterized by a median survival of 6 months. Sorafenib, the first systemic drug proven to be effective in prolonging survival of unresectable HCC, was approved by the FDA in 2007 but no second-line treatment was available for a decade for patients progressing on sorafenib. Finally, in 2016, the RESORCE trial demonstrated regorafenib as an effective second-line treatment. Areas covered: In this manuscript, the authors review the principal preclinical and clinical trials on regorafenib used in the treatment of unresectable HCC patients progressing on sorafenib and highlight both the advantages and the limitations of this drug. Expert opinion: Regorafenib is the only second-line treatment available for patients progressing on sorafenib. Despite its promising clinical application, many doubts still remain, necessitating further investigation to explore the tolerability of this drug in Child-Pugh B and sorafenib-intolerant patients, while its scarce cost-effectiveness must also be improved.

Adverse events risk associated with regorafenib in the treatment of advanced solid tumors: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Regorafenib is a novel multikinase inhibitor (MKI) approved for use in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), treatment-refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and other solid tumor malignancies. However, the adverse events (AEs) associated with regorafenib have not been systematically investigated. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to identify AEs associated with regorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

The databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase and abstracts presented in American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings were searched for relevant publications from January 2004 to September 2017. Eligible studies were limited to prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate the use of regorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors. Incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs were calculated using a random or fixed effects model on the basis of the heterogeneity of the included studies.

Results

A total of 2,065 patients from six RCTs were included, and 1,340 of them received regorafenib and 725 received a placebo. Sixteen all-grade AEs and 15 high-grade AEs were investigated for their association with regorafenib. Results showed that hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR; 54%), diarrhea (33%), fatigue (32%), hypertension (31%), oral mucositis (28%), and anorexia (23%) were the most frequent clinical AEs. The most common high-grade (grade, ≥3) AEs were HFSR (16%), hypertension (13%), fatigue (6%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 6%), and hypophosphatemia (6%). Pooled RR showed that the use of regorafenib was associated with an increased risk of developing AEs. Subgroup analysis based on the prior MKI treatment showed that prior MKI treatment was associated with an increased incidence of all-grade anorexia (P=0.03) and a reduced incidence of high-grade increased AST (P=0.04). However, subgroup analysis based on the tumor type showed that no significant differences were found when comparing the RR of all-grade and high-grade AEs in patients with CRC or non-CRC.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis systematically investigated regorafenib-associated AEs. Knowledge of these AEs is essential for minimizing treatment-related toxicities and improving clinical outcomes.

Treatment-related toxicities of apatinib in solid tumors: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Apatinib is a novel small molecular drug targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), which is being studied in multiple tumor types. We performed a meta-analysis to quantify the overall incidence and risk of hypertension, proteinuria, and hand-foot-syndrome (HFS) in cancer patients receiving apatinib.

RESULTS

Altogether, 820 cancer patients from 7 prospective trials were included for the meta-analysis. The incidences of all-grade and high-grade hypertension were 45.4% and 9.7%. The incidences of all-grade and high-grade proteinuria were 45.1% and 3.7%. The incidences of all-grade and high-grade HFS were 35.9% and 8.6%. The RRs of all-grade hypertension, proteinuria and HFS of apatinib compared to placebo were increased (hypertension, RR = 6.53; proteinuria, RR = 2.62, and HFS, RR = 11.45). The RRs of developing high-grade hypertension and HFS were substantially higher than that of placebo (hypertension, RR = 7.73; HFS, RR = 7.23), but not for proteinuria (RR = 2.56, 95% CI: 0.57-11.52).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective phase II and III clinical trials of cancer patients receiving apatinib were searched and included. Summary incidences, relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using either fixed or random effects models according to the heterogeneity of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Apatinib is generally well tolerated, and associated with increased risks of all-grade hypertension, proteinuria and HFS, and high-grade hypertension and HFS, but not high-grade proteinuria.

Regorafenib-Induced Hand-Foot Skin Reaction Is More Severe on the Feet Than on the Hands

Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Regorafenib-induced hand–foot skin reaction (HFSR) is a common side effect during treatment. The reported frequency of HFSR was 80% (grade 3: 28%) in the Japanese subpopulation in the CORRECT trial; however, more detailed data regarding HFSR in terms of onset and sites of susceptibility are unclear. Additionally, the risk factors for regorafenib-induced severe HFSR are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare HFSR between the hands and feet and identify preexisting risk factors for severe HFSR in Japanese patients receiving regorafenib. We retrospectively examined the onset and severity of HFSR on the hands and feet of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with regorafenib from May 2013 to October 2015 in the Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. In addition, we examined the possible association between preexisting clinical factors and severe HFSR. Our results showed that no significant difference in the incidence of HFSR of any grade was observed between the hands (71%) and feet (74%) (p = 0.63). The incidence of grade 3 HFSR was more frequent on the feet (33%) than on the hands (8%) (p < 0.01). The onset of grade 3 HFSR was earlier on the feet than on the hands (p < 0.001). No preexisting risk factor was identified. Our findings indicate that severe HFSR was more prevalent on the feet than on the hands, suggesting the need for appropriate screening for early detection and treatment of regorafenib-induced HSFR.

Regorafenib

Regorafenib (BAY 73-4506, Stivarga^®) is an oral diphenylurea multi-kinase inhibitor that targets angiogenic (VEGFR1-3, TIE2), stromal (PDGFR-β, FGFR), and oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (KIT, RET, and RAF). Regorafenib is the first small-molecule multi-kinase inhibitor to achieve survival benefits in metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed after all standard therapies. Consequently, Regorafenib was FDA approved for this indication in 2012. In addition, Regorafenib treatment resulted in a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) after progression on standard treatments and is also FDA-approved in this indication since 2013. In 2017, Regorafenib has been FDA approved for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with Sorafenib. In this situation, Regorafenib significantly improved PFS and overall survival (OS) compared to placebo. Regorafenib has also been examined in several clinical trials (mostly phase II) in different tumor entities, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), and additional phase II trials ongoing (e.g., second- and third-line treatment for medullary thyroid cancer, NCT02657551).

The role of pazopanib on tumour angiogenesis and in the management of cancers: A review

Pazopanib is a relatively new compound to be introduced into the chemotherapy field. It is thought to have decent anti-angiogenic properties, which gives an additional hope for the treatment of certain types of cancers. A systematic review solely discussing about pazopanib and its anti-angiogenic effect is yet to be published to date, despite several relevant clinical trials being conducted over the recent years. In this review, we aim to investigate the mechanism of pazopanib's anti-angiogenic effect and its effectiveness in treating several cancers. We have included, in this study, findings from electronically searchable data from randomized clinical trials, clinical studies, cohort studies and other relevant articles. A total of 352 studies were included in this review. From the studies, the effect of pazopanib in various cancers or models was observed and recorded. Study quality is indefinite, with a few decent quality articles. The most elaborately studied cancers include renal cell carcinoma, solid tumors, advanced solid tumors, soft tissue sarcoma, breast cancer and gynecological cancers. In addition, several less commonly studied cancers are included in the studies as well. Pazopanib had demonstrated its anti-angiogenic effect based on favorable results observed in cancers, which are caused by angiogenesis-related mechanisms, such as renal cell carcinoma, solid tumors, advanced solid tumors and soft tissue sarcoma. This review was conducted to study, analyze and review the anti-angiogenic properties of pazopanib in various cancers. The results obtained can provide a decent reference when considering treatment options for angiogenesis-related malignancies. Furthermore, the definite observations of the anti-angiogenic effects of pazopanib could provide newer insights leading to the future development of drugs of the same mechanism with increased efficiency and reduced adverse effects.

Incidence and risk of hematologic toxicities in cancer patients treated with regorafenib

Regorafenib, an oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of several malignancies. As a non-traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, regorafenib is often associated with hematologic toxicities. Here we searched PubMed and Embase up to June 2017 for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies include trials in which subjects treated with 160 mg of regorafenib daily during the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle, and adequate safety data profile reporting thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia and leucopenia. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the overall incidences, relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 2,341 subjects from 16 trials were included in the present studies. The incidences of regorafenib associated all-grade and high-grade hematologic toxicities were: thrombocytopenia, 22% and 3%; anemia, 20% and 3%; neutropenia, 10% and 2%, and leucopenia, 13% and 2%, respectively. Regorafenib-treated subjects had a significant increased risk of all-grade (RR=6.35; 95% CI, 3.19-12.64) and high-grade (RR=6.27; 95% CI, 1.69-23.26) thrombocytopenia, all-grade (RR=2.76; 95% CI, 1.63-4.68) and high-grade (RR=5.38; 95% CI, 1.60-18.06) anemia. Our results suggested that regorafenib therapy was associated with significantly increased risks of hematological toxicities, and hematologic monitoring at regular intervals should be advised to clinician.

Incidence and risk of regorafenib-induced hepatotoxicity

Regorafenib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for the treatments of several malignancies. Unlike traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, regorafenib therapy often induces a distinct profile of adverse events (AEs) including hepatotoxicity. Here we conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis to assess the incidence and risk of regorafenib related hepatic toxicities. PubMed and Embase database were reviewed from inception to June 2017 for relevant trials. Eligible studies include subjects with solid tumors treated with 160 mg of regorafenib daily during the first three week of each four-week cycle, and adequate safety data reporting the elevation of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence and relative risk (RR). A total of 2,213 subjects from 14 trials were included. The incidences of regorafenib-associated all-grade and high-grade hepatotoxicity were: bilirubin elevation: 23% and 5%; AST elevation: 32% and 6%; ALT elevation: 27% and 5%; ALP elevation: 31% and 2%. Regorafenib-treated subjects had a significant increased risk of all-grade (RR = 3.10; 95% CI, 2.22–4.34) and high-grade (RR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09–2.80) bilirubin elevation; all-grade (RR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.13–2.00) and high-grade (RR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.00–3.22) AST elevation; all-grade (RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.25–2.64) and high-grade (RR = 3.07; 95% CI, 1.30–7.22) ALT elevation; and all-grade (RR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.01–4.40) ALP elevation. Our results suggest that regorafenib is associated with an increased risk of hepatic toxicities. Hepatotoxicity examination at regular intervals should be advised to clinicians.

Involvement of the Transporters P-Glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Dermal Distribution of the Multikinase Inhibitor Regorafenib and Its Active Metabolites

Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor orally administered to colorectal cancer patients, and is known to often exhibit dermal toxicity. The purpose of this study is to clarify possible involvement of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in the dermal accumulation of regorafenib and its active metabolites M-2 and M-5. Following intravenous administration in triple knockout (Abcb1a/1b/bcrp^-/-; TKO) and wild-type (WT) mice, delayed plasma clearance of M-2 and M-5, but not regorafenib, was observed in TKO mice compared to WT mice. Elacridar, an inhibitor of both transporters, also caused delayed clearance of M-2 and M-5, suggesting that these transporters are involved in their elimination. Skin-to-plasma concentration ratios of regorafenib, M-2, and M-5 were significantly higher in TKO mice than in WT mice. Elacridar increased skin-to-plasma and epidermis-to-plasma concentration ratios of regorafenib. Basal-to-apical transport of M-2 and M-5 was observed in LLC-PK1-Pgp and MDCKII/BCRP/PDZK1 cells, which was inhibited by elacridar and the BCRP inhibitor Ko143, respectively. The present findings thus indicate that P-glycoprotein and BCRP are involved in the accumulation of regorafenib and its active metabolites in the skin, by affecting either their systemic exposure or their plasma distribution in the circulating blood.

Sunitinib Stimulates Expression of VEGFC by Tumor Cells and Promotes Lymphangiogenesis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas

Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic therapy given as a first-line treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). While treatment improves progression-free survival, most patients relapse. We hypothesized that patient relapse can stem from the development of a lymphatic network driven by the production of the main growth factor for lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFC. In this study, we found that sunitinib can stimulate vegfc gene transcription and increase VEGFC mRNA half-life. In addition, sunitinib activated p38 MAPK, which resulted in the upregulation/activity of HuR and inactivation of tristetraprolin, two AU-rich element-binding proteins. Sunitinib stimulated a VEGFC-dependent development of lymphatic vessels in experimental tumors. This may explain our findings of increased lymph node invasion and new metastatic sites in 30% of sunitinib-treated patients and increased lymphatic vessels found in 70% of neoadjuvant treated patients. In summary, a therapy dedicated to destroying tumor blood vessels induced the development of lymphatic vessels, which may have contributed to the treatment failure. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1212-26. ©2017 AACR.

Targeted Therapy of Colorectal Cancer

Over the past decades, considerable progress has been made in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC), leading to a significant improvement in overall survival. Although part of this success has been rightly attributed to aggressive surgical management and advances in other adjunct treatments, our understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC and emergence of newer molecular targets for colon cancer has created a powerful impact. In this review article, we will discuss various targeted therapies in the management of metastatic CRC (mCRC). In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting monoclonal antibodies have become integral components of the first-line treatment strategies for mCRC. Newer agents on the horizon soon to be incorporated in clinical practice will be briefly reviewed as well. Currently, the only predictive biomarker for treatment selection in patients with mCRC is tumor RAS mutational status.

Multikinase Inhibitor-Induced Hand-Foot Skin Reaction: A Review of Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Management

Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) are targeted cancer therapies designed to inhibit multiple tyrosine kinase pathways responsible for tumor proliferation, growth, and survival. These agents are more able to target cancer cells and possess better safety profiles than conventional chemotherapies. However, MKIs can produce significant cutaneous adverse events, hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) being the most clinically significant. Although not life threatening, HFSR can lead to MKI dose modification, interruption, or termination, potentially limiting the anti-tumor effect. This article summarizes the current knowledge concerning the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, histopathology, prognostic implication, and current evidence-based prophylactic and reactive treatment options for MKI-induced HFSR. Its high incidence and significant impact on the quality of life emphasizes the great need to understand the pathogenesis and improve management of this condition.

Novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Over the past couple of decades considerable progress has been made in the management of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) leading to a significant improvement in five-year survival. Although part of this success has been rightly attributed to aggressive surgical management and advances in other adjunct treatments, our understanding of the pathogenesis of cancer and emergence of newer molecular targets for colon cancer has created a powerful impact. In this review article we will discuss various targeted therapies in the management of mCRC. Newer agents on the horizon soon to be incorporated in clinical practice will be briefly reviewed as well.

Regorafenib-associated hand-foot skin reaction: practical advice on diagnosis, prevention, and management

Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor licensed for use in gastrointestinal cancers. In clinical trials, regorafenib showed a consistent toxicity profile, including clinically significant hand–foot skin reaction (HFSR). Treatment modifications and symptomatic measures, as recommended in this review, can be used to manage HFSR and help patients to continue treatment at an optimal dose.

Background

Regorafenib is an orally available, small-molecule multikinase inhibitor with international marketing authorizations for use in colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. In clinical trials, regorafenib showed a consistent and predictable adverse-event profile, with hand–foot skin reaction (HFSR) among the most clinically significant toxicities. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics of regorafenib-related HFSR and provides practical advice on HFSR management to enable health care professionals to recognize, pre-empt, and effectively manage the symptoms, thereby allowing patients to remain on active therapy for as long as possible.

Design

This review is based on a systematic literature search of the PubMed database (using synonyms of HFSR, regorafenib, and skin toxicities associated with targeted therapies or cytotoxic chemotherapy). However, as this search identified very few articles, the authors also use their clinical experience as oncologists and dermatologists managing patients with treatment-related HFSR to provide recommendations on recognition and management of HFSR in regorafenib-treated patients.

Results

Regorafenib-related HFSR is similar to that seen with other multikinase inhibitors (e.g. sorafenib, sunitinib, cabozantinib, axitinib, and pazopanib) but differs from the hand–foot syndrome seen with cytotoxic chemotherapies (e.g. fluoropyrimidines, anthracyclines, and taxanes). There have been no controlled trials of symptomatic management of regorafenib-related HFSR, and limited good-quality evidence from randomized clinical trials of effective interventions for HFSR associated with other targeted therapies. Recommendations on prevention and management of regorafenib-related HFSR in this review are therefore based on the expert opinion of the authors (dermatologists and oncologists with expertise in the management of treatment-related skin toxicities and oncologists involved in clinical trials of regorafenib) and tried-and-tested empirical experience with other multikinase inhibitors and cytotoxic chemotherapies.

Conclusions

As recommended in this review, treatment modifications and supportive measures to prevent, reduce, and manage HFSR can allow patients to continue regorafenib at the optimal dose to derive benefit from treatment.

Incidence and risk of hand-foot skin reaction with cabozantinib, a novel multikinase inhibitor: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cabozantinib is approved in the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It is a small molecule inhibitor, which targets multiple receptors, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinase with Ig and epidermal growth factor homology domains-2 and the proto-oncogenes MET (mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor) and RET (rearranged during transfection). The drug is currently in phase I/II/III clinical trials for a number of other solid tumours and haematological malignancies. The adverse event (AE) profile is similar to that of other newer angiogenesis inhibitors. Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is an important dose-limiting dermatological adverse event of this class of drugs.

AIM

To ascertain the incidence and risk of HFSR in patients with cancer during treatment with cabozantinib.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting Library were queried from inception to July 2014. Only phase II/III studies investigating cabozantinib for the treatment of cancer were shortlisted. The incidence, relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models, depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies.

RESULTS

We included 831 patients treated with cabozantinib for various solid malignancies in the analysis. The overall incidence was 35.3% (95% CI 27.9-43.6%) for all-grade and 9.5% (95% CI 7.6-11.7%) for high-grade HFSR. The RR of all-grade and high-grade HFSR with cabozantinib, compared with controls, was increased for both all-grade (27.3; 95% CI 6.9-108.3; P < 0.001) and high-grade (28.1; 95% CI 1.7-457; P < 0.02) HFSR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and risk of developing HFSR with cabozantinib are high. Timely recognition of this dose-limiting AE is critical to direct supportive care efforts including patient counselling, and to institute preventative and/or treatment interventions.