Antiangiogenic agents and the skin: cutaneous adverse effects of sorafenib, sunitinib, and bevacizumab

Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2014 Dec;105(10):900-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2014.02.010. Epub 2014 Apr 22.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

As new antiangiogenic therapies have been introduced and added to the therapeutic arsenal against various types of cancer, previously unknown adverse effects have been detected. These effects negatively impact patients' quality of life and can even make it necessary to suspend treatment. Adverse skin reactions occur in 90% of patients treated with angiogenesis inhibitors. In some cases, a correlation has been observed between the severity of reactions and treatment efficacy and tumor response. It is therefore extremely important that dermatologists be able to recognize and manage these reactions. Moreover, in order to avoid the unjustified withdrawal of potentially life-extending treatments, dermatologists must be able to differentiate between non-life-threatening reactions and life-threatening reactions that necessitate the suspension of treatment. In this review article, we analyze the main cutaneous adverse effects of the most common antiangiogenic agents.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Angiogénesis; Antiangiogenic agents; Antiangiogénesis; Bevacizumab; Cutaneous adverse effects; Efectos cutáneos adversos; Sorafenib; Sunitinib.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Humans
  • Indoles / adverse effects*
  • Niacinamide / adverse effects
  • Niacinamide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects*
  • Sorafenib
  • Sunitinib

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Indoles
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Pyrroles
  • Niacinamide
  • Bevacizumab
  • Sorafenib
  • Sunitinib