Development and validation of a prediction index for hand-foot skin reaction in cancer patients receiving sorafenib

Progress in research of hand-foot skin reactions related to antineoplastic drugs

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS)/hand-foot skin reactions (HFSR) is the most common toxic skin reaction in tumor treatment, especially in anti-cancer treatment of malignant digestive system tumors, having a great impact on patients' anti-tumor therapy, quality of life, and physical and mental health. It has been found that patients with HFS/HFSR are often the dominant population who obtain survival benefit from anti-tumor treatment. At present, the pathogenesis of HFSR is not clear and there is no effective intervention measures available in the clinic. In this paper, we review the clinical characteristics, incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, and intervention measures for HFSR, as well as its relationship with anti-tumor efficacy, in order to provide reference for further research.

Progress in research of hand-foot skin reactions related to anti-digestive system tumor drug treatment

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS)/hand-foot skin reactions (HFSR) is the most common toxic skin reaction in tumor treatment, especially in anti-cancer treatment of malignant digestive system tumors, having a great impact on patients' anti-tumor therapy, quality of life, and physical and mental health. It has been found that patients with HFS/HFSR are often the dominant population who obtain survival benefit from anti-tumor treatment. At present, the pathogenesis of HFSR is not clear and there is no effective intervention measures available in the clinic. In this paper, we review the clinical characteristics, incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, and intervention measures for HFSR, as well as its relationship with anti-tumor efficacy, in order to provide reference for further research.

Cabozantinib Cutaneous Toxicity-Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

In the context of modern cancer therapy, the management of adverse effects of systemic therapies can lead to the avoidance of underdosing and withdrawal and increases in the quality of the therapeutic act and the quality of life. This review offers an overview of the skin-related toxicities associated with Cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor (MKI) that is approved for treating advanced kidney cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and medullary thyroid cancer. It covers the most common dermatological side effects, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, stomatitis, hair alterations, xerosis, scrotal erythema, and subungual splinter hemorrhages. Additionally, this review includes suggested preventive strategies and management approaches based on the severity of these adverse effects.

Risk Factors Analysis of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions Caused by Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy Drugs for Oncology and Establishment of a Prediction Model

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs for oncology have greater efficacy and tolerability than cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the cutaneous adverse drug reactions associated with these newer therapies are more common and remain poorly predicted. An effective prediction model is urgently needed and essential. This retrospective study included 1052 patients, divided into train set, test set, and external validation set. As a data-driven study, a total of 76 variables were collected. Univariate logistic analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and stepwise logistic regression were utilized for feature screening. Finally, nine machine-learning models were constructed and compared, and grid search was performed to adjust the parameters. Model performance was evaluated using calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Nine risk factors were eventually identified: age, treatment modality, cancer types, history of allergies, age-corrected Charlson comorbidity index, percentage of eosinophils, absolute number of monocytes, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, and C-reactive protein. Among the models, the logistic model performed best, demonstrating strong performance in test set (AUROC = 0.734) and external validation set (AUROC = 0.817). This study identified nine significant risk factors and developed a nomogram prediction model. These findings have important implications for optimizing therapeutic efficacy and maintaining the quality of life of patients from the perspective of managing cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2400088422.

Hand-foot syndrome in sorafenib and lenvatinib treatment for advanced thyroid cancer

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) during treatment with two multikinase inhibitors, sorafenib and lenvatinib, in a large group of patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Moreover, we looked for possible associations between HFS occurrence and clinical and pathological features.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 239 patients with advanced thyroid cancer: 165 treated with lenvatinib and 74 with sorafenib. Statistical analyses were performed to verify which features could be correlated with HFS development.

Results

HFS was observed in 35/74 (47.4%) and in 43/165 (26.7%) patients treated with sorafenib or lenvatinib, respectively. The median latency from the drug beginning and HFS appearance was 27 days for sorafenib and 2.9 months for lenvatinib. G3/G4 toxicity was observed in 16/35 (45.7%) patients treated with sorafenib and only in 3/43 (7%) treated with lenvatinib. Drug dose reduction due to HFS was required in 19/74 (25.7%) and 3/165 (1.8%) patients treated with sorafenib and lenvatinib, respectively. HFS occurrence was significantly associated with a longer duration of therapy in both groups.

Conclusion

HFS was a frequent adverse event during both lenvatinib and sorafenib therapy, with a higher frequency and toxicity grade during sorafenib treatment. HFS was the most frequent reason for drug reduction or discontinuation in patient treated with sorafenib. Early diagnosis of HFS is important to allow early intervention, possibly in a multidisciplinary setting, and to avoid treatment discontinuation, which is highly relevant to obtain the maximum effectiveness of systemic therapy.

Evaluation of the impact of systemic dexamethasone dosage on docetaxel-induced hand-foot syndrome in patients with breast cancer

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a frequently occurring and treatment-requiring adverse effect of docetaxel. We previously reported that systemic dexamethasone (DEX) prevents the other docetaxel-induced adverse inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent manner. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent efficacy of systemic DEX in attenuating HFS in patients with breast cancer receiving docetaxel. Patients with breast cancer receiving docetaxel (75 mg/m2)-containing regimens (n = 111) were divided into 4 and 8 mg/day DEX groups, with each DEX dose administered on days 2-4, and analyzed retrospectively. Development of all-grade HFS in all treatment cycles was significantly lower in the 8 mg group (50.0%) than in the 4 mg group (73.0%, P = 0.03), with primary endpoint accomplishment. Moreover, its development in the first cycle was also lower in the 8 mg group than in the 4 mg group. These results were confirmed in a propensity score-matched population. Logistic regression analysis suggested higher DEX dosage as an independent preventive factor (adjusted odds ratio 0.35; 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.86, P = 0.02 for all cycles; 0.26, 0.11-0.63, P = 0.003 for the first cycle). Our study suggests that systemic DEX prevents the occurrence of docetaxel-induced HFS in patients with breast cancer in a dose-dependent manner in a real-world setting.

A prediction model for severe hematological toxicity of BTK inhibitors

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell lymphomas. However, BTKi-related hematological toxicity hinders treatment continuity and may further affect clinical efficacy. To identify risk factors and predict the likelihood of BTKi-related hematological toxicities, we constructed and validated a prediction model for severe hematological toxicity of BTKi. Approved by the hospital medical science research ethics committee (No. M2022427), we collected real-world data in patients treated with BTKi from a Lymphoma Research Center in China. The outcome of interest was severe hematological toxicity caused by BTKi. 36 candidate variables were categorized into demographics, diagnostic and treatment information, laboratory data, and medical history. The study sample was randomly divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets. We developed and compared the performance of various modelling methods, including decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and logistic regression (LR). Finally, we constructed a Web-calculator of the optimal model to estimate the risk of hematological toxicity. This study was designed, conducted and reported strictly in compliance with the TRIPOD checklist. Data from a total 121 patients were included [median age, 65 years (range, 56-73 years); 74 (61.15%) men; 47 (38.84%) severe hematological toxicity]. The XGBoost model demonstrated better overall properties than other models, achieving high discrimination (AUC: 0.671; accuracy: 0.730; specificity: 0.913) and clinical benefit. The following 10 variables were used to develop the XGBoost model: white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (Neut), red blood cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT), fibrinogen (Fib), total protein (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gender and type of BTKi. SHAP values demonstrated insightful associations between these variables and hematological toxicity. Finally, to facilitate clinical and research use, we also deploy the XGBoost model on a web-calculator for free access. The XGBoost model with promising accuracy was developed to predict the severe hematological toxicity of BTKi. It helps to strengthen the proactive monitoring and management of patients with hematological toxicity, and thus achieve long-term continuous BTKi treatment.

Risk prediction models for antineoplastic-associated cardiotoxicity in treatment of breast cancer: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this systematic review is to assess methodology of published models to predict the risk of antineoplastic-associated cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for studies that developed or validated a multivariable risk prediction model. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed according to the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST).

RESULTS

We identified 2,816 unique publications and included 8 eligible studies (7 new risk models and 1 validation of a risk stratification tool) that modeled risk with trastuzumab (n = 5), anthracyclines (n = 2), and anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab (n = 1). The most common final predictors were previous or concomitant chemotherapy (n = 5) and age (n = 4). Three studies incorporated measures of myocardial mechanics that may not be frequently available. Model discrimination was reported in 7 studies (range of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.56-0.88), while calibration was reported in 1 study. Internal and external validation were performed in 4 studies and 1 study, respectively. Using the PROBAST methodology, we rated the overall risk of bias as high for 7 of 8 studies and unclear for 1 study. Concerns for applicability were low for all studies.

CONCLUSION

Among 8 models to predict the risk of cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic agents for breast cancer, 7 were rated as having a high risk of bias and all had low concerns for clinical applicability. Most evaluated studies reported positive measures of model performance but did not perform external validation. Efforts to improve development and reporting of these models to facilitate their use in practice are warranted.

A clinical scoring tool validated with machine learning for predicting severe hand-foot syndrome from sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

Sorafenib is an effective therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a serious adverse effect associated with sorafenib therapy. This study aimed to develop an updated clinical prediction tool that allows personalized prediction of HFS following sorafenib initiation.

Methods

Individual participant data from Phase III clinical trial NCT00699374 were used in Cox proportional hazard analysis of the association between pre-treatment clinicopathological data and grade ≥ 3 HFS occurring within the first 365 days of sorafenib treatment for advanced HCC. Multivariable prediction models were developed using stepwise forward inclusion and backward deletion and internally validated using a random forest machine learning approach.

Results

Of 542 patients, 116 (21%) experienced grades ≥ 3 HFS. The prediction tool was optimally defined by sex (male vs female), haemoglobin (< 130 vs ≥ 130 g/L) and bilirubin (< 10 vs 10–20 vs ≥ 20 µmol/L). The prediction tool was able to discriminate subgroups with significantly different risks of grade ≥ 3 HFS (P ≤ 0.001). The high (score = 3 +)-, intermediate (score = 2)- and low (score = 0–1)-risk subgroups had 40%, 27% and 14% probability of developing grade ≥ 3 HFS within the first 365 days of sorafenib treatment, respectively.

Conclusion

A clinical prediction tool defined by female sex, high haemoglobin and low bilirubin had high discrimination for predicting HFS risk. The tool may enable improved evaluation of personalized risks of HFS for patients with advanced HCC initiating sorafenib.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00280-022-04411-9.

Cutaneous toxicities from targeted therapies used in oncology: Literature review of clinical presentation and management

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Cutaneous toxicities are frequent with targeted therapies.

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Managing cutaneous toxicities is critical for life-saving treatment continuation.

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Dermatologists can provide a key input in preventing and managing these toxicities.

With the development of molecular targeted therapies, a wide array of dermatologic toxicities is appearing. Their prevention, recognition, and management by dermatologists is critical to ensure antineoplastic treatment continuation. The objective of this study was to provide a literature review of the most common dermatologic toxicities due to targeted therapies in oncologic patients, including their clinical presentation, prevention, and management.

Cutaneous toxicity of FDA-approved small-molecule kinase inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

By 1 January 2021, the FDA has approved a total of 62 small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs). The increasing clinical use of small-molecule kinase inhibitors has led to some side effects, the most common of which is cutaneous toxicity, as reflected by approximately 90% (57 of 62) of the FDA-approved SMKIs have reported treatment-related cutaneous toxicities. Since these cutaneous toxicities may have a crucial influence on the emotional, physical and psychosocial health of the patients, it is of great importance for doctors, patients, oncologists and interrelated researchers to be aware of the cutaneous side effects of these drugs in order to make the diagnosis accurate and the treatment appropriate.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to summarize the potential cutaneous toxicities and the frequency of occurrence of FDA-approved 62 SMKIs, and provide a succinct overview of the potential mechanisms of certain cutaneous toxicities. The literature review was performed based on PubMed database and FDA official website.

EXPERT OPINION

It is significant to determine the risk factors for SMKI-induced cutaneous toxicity. The mechanisms underlying SMKI-induced cutaneous toxicities remain unclear at present. Future research should focus on the mechanisms of SMKI-induced cutaneous toxicities to find out mechanistically driven therapies.

How to conduct integrated pharmaceutical care for patients with hand-foot syndrome associated with chemotherapeutic agents and targeted drugs

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to offer practical operational process for pharmacists to successfully conduct integrated pharmaceutical care for patients with hand-foot syndrome associated with chemotherapeutic agents and targeted drugs which may facilitate the work of first-line clinical pharmacist.Data sources: A literature review was conducted in March 2020 of Pubmed, Medline, and EMBASE (2010-2020) using terms such as: hand-foot syndrome, hand-foot skin reaction, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, chemotherapeutic agent, and multikinase inhibitor. Appropriate references from selected articles were also used.Data summary: This paper involves 81 articles including review articles, meta-analysis, and clinical trials which focused on every aspect of hand-foot syndrome, such as manifestation, mechanism, occurrence rate, onset time, patient education, self-monitor scale, and management. Studies were thematically divided into four parts (clinical presentation of HFS, risk stratification, initiation of pharmaceutic care, and management of the adverse reaction).

CONCLUSION

HFS is one of the common adverse events which was associated with many chemotherapeutic agents and multikinase inhibitor drugs. Although the mechanisms and histopathology may be different, they due share some common clinical manifestations. As part of integrated pharmaceutical care for cancer patients, it is important to conduct patient education about the risk of hand-foot syndrome and basic knowledge about hand-foot syndrome management before initiating anticancer therapy. Once hand-foot syndrome happens, evidence-based management could try. If the hand-foot syndrome is intolerable, dose reduction or discontinuation of the anticancer therapy should be considered.

Preemptive Versus Reactive Topical Clobetasol for Regorafenib-Induced Hand-Foot Reactions: A Preplanned Analysis of the ReDOS Trial

BACKGROUND

Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is the most common regorafenib-induced adverse event and is in need of effective prevention and palliation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Regorafenib Dose Optimization Study (ReDOS), a four-arm, previously published trial with a 1:1:1:1 randomization scheme, was analyzed in a manner in keeping with the original protocol to assess whether clobetasol 0.05% cream (a corticosteroid) applied to the palms and soles twice per day for 8 weeks was more effective when prescribed preemptively (before the development of HFSR) versus reactively (after the development of HFSR). Patients were assessed during the first two cycles of regorafenib.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients received preemptive clobetasol, and 55 received reactive clobetasol. Groups were balanced on demographics. Over the first two cycles, no evidence of HFSR occurred in 30% with preemptive clobetasol versus 13% with reactive clobetasol (p = .03). During the first cycle, 54% and 45% of patients had no HFSR with preemptive and reactive clobetasol, respectively (p = .35). During the second cycle, 33% and 15% had no HFSR with preemptive and reactive clobetasol, respectively (p = .02). During the second cycle, rates of grade 1, 2, and 3 HFSR were 30%, 8%, and 3%, respectively, with preemptive clobetasol and 43%, 18%, and 7%, respectively, with reactive clobetasol (p = .12). Patient-reported outcomes showed HFSR compromised nearly all activities of daily living with worse quality of life in patients who received reactive versus preemptive clobetasol. No clobetasol-induced adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Preemptive clobetasol might lessen regorafenib-induced hand-foot reactions compared with reactive therapy. Further confirmatory studies are needed in a larger patient cohort.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Regorafenib causes hand-foot skin reactions. Preemptive clobetasol, a high-potency topical corticosteroid, appears to lessen the severity of this adverse event. Although further study is needed, the favorable adverse event profile of this intervention might prompt clinicians to discuss this option with their patients.

Harnessing repeated measurements of predictor variables for clinical risk prediction: a review of existing methods

BACKGROUND

Clinical prediction models (CPMs) predict the risk of health outcomes for individual patients. The majority of existing CPMs only harness cross-sectional patient information. Incorporating repeated measurements, such as those stored in electronic health records, into CPMs may provide an opportunity to enhance their performance. However, the number and complexity of methodological approaches available could make it difficult for researchers to explore this opportunity. Our objective was to review the literature and summarise existing approaches for harnessing repeated measurements of predictor variables in CPMs, primarily to make this field more accessible for applied researchers.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched for articles reporting the development of a multivariable CPM for individual-level prediction of future binary or time-to-event outcomes and modelling repeated measurements of at least one predictor. Information was extracted on the following: the methodology used, its specific aim, reported advantages and limitations, and software available to apply the method.

RESULTS

The search revealed 217 relevant articles. Seven methodological frameworks were identified: time-dependent covariate modelling, generalised estimating equations, landmark analysis, two-stage modelling, joint-modelling, trajectory classification and machine learning. Each of these frameworks satisfies at least one of three aims: to better represent the predictor-outcome relationship over time, to infer a covariate value at a pre-specified time and to account for the effect of covariate change.

CONCLUSIONS

The applicability of identified methods depends on the motivation for including longitudinal information and the method's compatibility with the clinical context and available patient data, for both model development and risk estimation in practice.

Dermatologic conditions in women receiving systemic cancer therapy

As advances in cancer therapies have improved cancer-related survival, novel therapeutics have also introduced a variety of dermatologic toxicities, and an increased number of patients are living with these sequalae. Women with cancer in particular experience a spectrum of dermatologic conditions that affect their skin, hair, nail, and mucosal surfaces. Studies have shown that these toxic effects can significantly affect quality of life and alter a woman's self-image, cultural identity, femininity, sexuality, and mental health. In severe instances, dermatologic toxicities may even disrupt cancer therapy and can therefore affect overall survival and treatment response. In this article, we review the dermatologic adverse effects from traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and endocrine therapy that disproportionately affect women. The timely diagnosis and management of these dermatologic conditions is crucial in the multidisciplinary care of women with cancer.

Large-Scale, Prospective Observational Study of Regorafenib in Japanese Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in a Real-World Clinical Setting

BACKGROUND

Regorafenib improved the overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who progress after standard therapies in two phase III trials. The present large-scale prospective observational study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of regorafenib administered to Japanese patients with mCRC in real-life setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with mCRC were prospectively registered and initially received ≤160 mg oral regorafenib daily, at the investigator's discretion, for weeks 1-3 of each 4-week cycle. The study's primary aim was to assess safety, particularly unexpected clinically significant adverse drug reactions (ADRs). A Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between OS, hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), and baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1,227 of 1,301 patients (enrolled from March 2013 to May 2015). ADRs occurred in 89.3% of patients (mostly within the first 4 weeks) and were a major reason for discontinuing treatment. The most frequent ADRs were HFSR, liver injury, and hypertension. The cumulative incidence of HFSR and liver injury was higher in patients who initially received 160 mg than in those who received ≤120 mg. The incidence of hypertension and fatigue was similar between groups. Median OS was 6.9 months (95% confidential interval, 6.4-7.4). OS was associated with early onset of HFSR and good performance status (PS) but not with the initial dose.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of this study were consistent with those of clinical trials. There were no new safety concerns. Regorafenib treatment would not be recommended for patients with higher PS.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Previous clinical trials demonstrated regorafenib improved overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who progress after standard chemotherapies. Because the eligibility criteria of the trials were restricted compared with a real-world setting, the data from the trials may not fully represent the profiles of regorafenib in clinical practice. This large-scale observational study showed that the safety and effectiveness of regorafenib in clinical practice were generally consistent with previous trials. The majority of patients reported adverse drug reactions within the first 4 weeks, most commonly hand-foot skin reaction. Regorafenib treatment would not be recommended for patients with higher performance status.

Podiatric Adverse Events and Foot Care in Cancer Patients and Survivors Awareness, Education, and Literature Review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent improved therapies have resulted in more patients surviving cancer and living longer. Despite these advances, the majority of patients will develop adverse events from anticancer therapies. Foot alterations, including nail toxicities, hand-foot syndrome, edema, xerosis, hyperkeratosis, and neuropathy, are frequent among cancer patients. These untoward conditions may negatively impact quality of life, and in some cases may result in the interruption or discontinuation of cancer treatments. Appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and management of podiatric adverse events are essential to maintain foot function and health-related quality of life, both of which are critical for the care of cancer patients and survivors. This article shows results related to complaint and impact on quality of life of the Oncology Foot Care program and reviews publications specific to podiatric adverse events related to cancer treatments.

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.

Development of a Multivariate Prognostic Model for Pain and Activity Limitation in People With Low Back Disorders Receiving Physiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors for back pain, leg pain, and activity limitation in patients with early persistent low back disorders (LBDs).

DESIGN

Prospective inception cohort study.

SETTING

Primary care private physiotherapy clinics in Melbourne, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals (N=300) aged 18-65 years with low back and/or referred leg pain of ≥6 weeks and ≤6 months duration.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Numeric rating scales for back pain and leg pain as well as the Oswestry Disability Scale.

RESULTS

Prognostic factors included sociodemographics, treatment related factors, subjective/physical examination, subgrouping factors, and standardized questionnaires. Univariate analysis followed by generalized estimating equations were used to develop a multivariate prognostic model for back pain, leg pain, and activity limitation. Fifty-eight prognostic factors progressed to the multivariate stage where 15 showed significant (P<.05) associations with at least 1 of the 3 outcomes. There were 5 indicators of positive outcome (2 types of LBD subgroups, paresthesia below waist, walking as an easing factor, and low transversus abdominis tone) and 10 indicators of negative outcome (both parents born overseas, deep leg symptoms, longer sick leave duration, high multifidus tone, clinically determined inflammation, higher back and leg pain severity, lower lifting capacity, lower work capacity, and higher pain drawing percentage coverage). The preliminary model identifying predictors of LBDs explained up to 37% of the variance in outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluated a comprehensive range of prognostic factors reflective of both the biomedical and psychosocial domains of LBDs. The preliminary multivariate model requires further validation before being considered for clinical use.

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.

Safety and effectiveness of sorafenib in Japanese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in daily medical practice: interim analysis of a prospective postmarketing all-patient surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Sorafenib was approved for treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan in 2009. A prospective postmarketing all-patient surveillance (PMS) study was requested by Japanese authorities to confirm safety and effectiveness of sorafenib in Japanese HCC population.

METHODS

Patients with unresectable HCC treated with sorafenib were followed up for 12 months. Data on patient demographic characteristics, treatment status, clinical outcome, and adverse events (AEs) were collected.

RESULTS

This interim analysis included 1109 and 1065 patients evaluable for safety and effectiveness, respectively. Most patients (83.4 %) received the recommended initial dose of 400 mg twice daily. After a follow-up of 12-months, 89.8 % had discontinued treatment, most because of AEs (44.5 %) or progression (33.8 %). The most common drug-related adverse events (DRAE) were hand-foot skin reaction (51.4 %), liver dysfunction (26.4 %), diarrhea (25.1 %), and hypertension (21.6 %). The median overall survival (OS) was 348 days [95 % confidence interval (CI) 299-389 days], and the median duration of treatment was 87 days (95 % CI 78-98 days). Multivariate analyses identified baseline prognostic factors for longer OS, including female sex, low Child-Pugh score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0, tumor stage I/II/III, low aspartate aminotransferase level, high hemoglobin level, hepatitis C and history of surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the safety and effectiveness findings in this PMS were consistent with findings from previous clinical studies. Sorafenib was well tolerated and clinically useful for Japanese patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01411436.

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.

Non-rash dermatologic adverse events related to targeted therapies

OBJECTIVES

To provide background information and management strategies for non-rash dermatological adverse events.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed journal articles, professional manuals, online sources.

CONCLUSION

During the last decade, many dermatological adverse events of targeted therapy have been reported, including xerosis, skin fissures, pruritus, photosensitivity, pigmentation changes, hair and nail changes, hand-foot skin reaction, squamoproliferative lesions, Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Although evidenced-based treatment options are scarce, many recommendations have been described in the literature that should be considered to apply in daily practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nursing practice will be enhanced by education, assessment, and management recommendations.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Prophylactic Effect of Urea-Based Cream on Sorafenib-Associated Hand-Foot Skin Reactions in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

To assess whether urea-based cream (UBC) has prophylactic benefits on sorafenib-induced hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and Methods

In this randomized, open-label trial, 871 patients with advanced HCC throughout China were treated with 10% UBC three times per day plus best supportive care (BSC; n = 439) or BSC alone excluding all creams (n = 432), starting on day 1 of sorafenib treatment, for up to 12 weeks. HFSR was assessed every 2 weeks and at 14 weeks for patients completing the study. Once HFSR occurred, patients were allowed any cream, including a UBC.

Results

The 12-week incidence of any grade HFSR was significantly lower in the UBC group versus the BSC-alone group (56.0% v 73.6%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 0.457; 95% CI, 0.344 to 0.608; P < .001), as was the incidence of grade ≥ 2 HFSR (20.7% v 29.2%, respectively; OR, 0.635; 95% CI, 0.466 to 0.866; P = .004). Median time to first occurrence of HFSR was significantly longer in the UBC group than the BSC-alone group (84 v 34 days, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.658; 95% CI, 0.541 to 0.799; P < .001). Elevated AST was associated with increased risk of HFSR but did not alter the treatment effect of UBC. UBC plus BSC, compared with BSC alone, did not affect the sorafenib dose reduction or interruption rate (9.1% v 11.8%, respectively; P = .1937), response rate (11.1% v 10.1%, respectively; P = .6674), or disease control rate (98.8% v 98.2%, respectively; P = .5350) at week 12.

Conclusion

UBC prophylaxis in patients with advanced HCC starting sorafenib reduced HFSR rates, extended the time to first occurrence of HFSR, and improved patient quality of life compared with BSC. Blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials to determine the role of UBC on the incidence and severity of HFSR are warranted.

The adverse effects of sorafenib in patients with advanced cancers

Sorafenib is the first multi-kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) and is increasingly being used to treat patients with well-differentiated radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer (DTC). Sorafenib demonstrates targeted activity on several families of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases that are involved in angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastatic progression of cancer. Sorafenib treatment results in long-term efficacy and low incidence of life-threatening toxicities. Although sorafenib has demonstrated many benefits in patients, the adverse effects cannot be ignored. The most common treatment-related toxicities include diarrhoea, fatigue, hand-foot skin reaction and hypertension. Most of these toxicities are considered mild to moderate and manageable to varying degrees; however, cardiovascular events might lead to death. In this MiniReview, we summarize the adverse effects of sorafenib that commonly occur in patients with advanced cancers.

Development of prediction tools for diarrhea and rash in breast cancer patients receiving lapatinib in combination with capecitabine

Lapatinib and capecitabine (L-CAP) is effective in HER-2 positive patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, moderate to severe diarrhea and rash (≥ grade 2) are problematic dose limiting toxicities. Since risk may vary over the course of therapy, we developed repeated measures models to predict the risk of ≥ grade 2 diarrhea and rash prior to each cycle of L-CAP. Data from 197 patients who received the L-CAP as part of a clinical trial were reviewed (Cameron, Breast Cancer Res Treat 112:533–543, 2008). Generalized estimating equations were used to develop the risk models using a backward elimination process. Risk scoring algorithms were then derived from the final model coefficients. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was undertaken to measure the predictive accuracy of the scoring algorithms. Patient age, presence of skin metastases at baseline, treatment being initiated in the spring, earlier cycles, and grade I diarrhea in the prior cycle were identified as being significant predictors for ≥ grade 2 diarrhea. The ROC analysis indicated good predictive accuracy for the diarrhea algorithm with an area under the curve of 0.78 (95 %CI: 0.72–0.82). Prior to each cycle of therapy, patients with risk scores > 125 units would be considered at high risk for developing ≥ grade 2 diarrhea. A similar prediction index was also derived in the case of ≥ grade 2 rash. Our models provide patient-specific risk information that could be helpful in assessing the risks and benefits of L-CAP in the MBC patients.

Overview and management of dermatologic events associated with targeted therapies for medullary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for patients with advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) have, in recent years, expanded with the approval of two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): vandetanib and cabozantinib. Other agents, including TKIs, are under clinical investigation for MTC. Although patients treated with TKIs are at risk of developing dermatologic adverse events (AE), these untoward events may be mitigated through AE-driven algorithms.

SUMMARY

AE-driven algorithms combine effective nonpharmaceutical and pharmaceutical treatment modalities implemented by a multidisciplinary effort that incorporates nursing interventions, patient education, and referrals to pain-management specialists, podiatrists, and dermatologists, as appropriate. Effective AE prevention and management reduce the need for dose interruptions and modifications, allowing patients the opportunity to derive the maximal benefit from TKI therapy, while maintaining quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal use of targeted therapies in the treatment of MTC depends on careful patient selection, interdisciplinary communication, and patient education and encouragement to enhance compliance and safety, optimize consistent dosing, and maximize the use of effective therapies.

Chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome and nail changes: a review of clinical presentation, etiology, pathogenesis, and management

Chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome and nail changes are common complications of many classic chemotherapeutic agents and the newer molecular targeted therapies. They significantly impact patient quality of life, and frequently necessitate chemotherapy dose intensity modification or reduction. We aim to describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and current evidence-based treatment options for these entities.

Fractionation of daily dose increases the predicted risk of severe sorafenib-induced hand-foot syndrome (HFS)

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to quantify the risk dynamics for the sorafenib-induced hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and to explore by simulations the dose-toxicity relationships according to different dosing regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-nine patients treated with sorafenib were considered: Treatment duration and regimen, and number and frequency of HFS observations were highly variable. A nonlinear mixed-effect model was built to link sorafenib administrations to the risk of each HFS score, through a latent variable model. Model evaluation was driven by goodness-of-fit and simulation-based diagnostics. Impact of sorafenib regimen on HFS dynamics was evaluated by simulations. A surrogate measure of benefit-to-risk ratio was calculated by using the concept of utility function, accounting for efficacy on tumor growth inhibition and severe HFS risk.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

An original pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for sorafenib-induced HFS, including the kinetics of a latent variable model, relating sorafenib administrations, per se its exposure, to HFS dynamics is proposed. From the model simulations, it appears that the more the daily dose is fractioned, the more the patients are at risk of HFS. Interestingly, the number of daily occasions was found more influential than the dose itself. Taking into account tumor growth inhibition in the utility function, the twice-daily administration schedule is favored for daily doses >600 mg. This approach illustrates how understanding the dynamic relationship between drug administrations and a limiting adverse event may help to control toxicity and adequately adjust treatment modalities.

Early sorafenib-induced toxicity is associated with drug exposure and UGTIA9 genetic polymorphism in patients with solid tumors: a preliminary study

Background

Identifying predictive biomarkers of drug response is of key importance to improve therapy management and drug selection in cancer therapy. To date, the influence of drug exposure and pharmacogenetic variants on sorafenib-induced toxicity remains poorly documented. The aim of this pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) study was to investigate the relationship between early toxicity and drug exposure or pharmacogenetic variants in unselected adult outpatients treated with single-agent sorafenib for advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Toxicity was recorded in 54 patients on days 15 and 30 after treatment initiation and sorafenib exposure was assessed in 51 patients. The influence of polymorphisms in CYP3A5, UGT1A9, ABCB1 and ABCG2 was examined in relation to sorafenib exposure and toxicity. Clinical characteristics, drug exposure and pharmacogenetic variants were tested univariately for association with toxicities. Candidate variables with p<0.1 were analyzed in a multivariate analysis.

Results

Gender was the sole parameter independently associated with sorafenib exposure (p = 0.0008). Multivariate analysis showed that increased cumulated sorafenib (AUC_cum) was independently associated with any grade ≥3 toxicity (p = 0.037); UGT1A9 polymorphism (rs17868320) with grade ≥2 diarrhea (p = 0.015) and female gender with grade ≥2 hand-foot skin reaction (p = 0.018). Using ROC curve, the threshold AUC_cum value of 3,161 mg/L.h was associated with the highest risk to develop any grade ≥3 toxicity (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, increased cumulated drug exposure and UGT1A9 polymorphism (rs17868320) identified patients at high risk for early sorafenib-induced severe toxicity. Further PK/PD studies on larger population are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.