When targeted therapies were first introduced, the general opinion was that they would be easy-to-use drugs with a favorable safety profile. Discussions at conferences and meetings suggested that if any side effects occurred, they were likely to be mild.
So, I really believed that these new therapies would be an ideal, simple solution for my patients and was very pleased when we could treat our first patient with a targeted therapy.
Following the introduction of these agents, adverse events were identified. The first drug reactions were noted: papules, pustules, dry skin, itchiness, fissures, and trichomegaly. Honestly, I felt distraught because I didn’t know how to treat these side effects! I couldn’t help my patients at all in the way I would have wanted to.
I had been led to believe - and had told my patients in turn - that targeted therapies were considered to be very well-tolerated. So, I really felt I had let them down, and I thought that the best way to make amends would be to look for solutions to their hurdles.
And I did!
This book results from years of research, including trial and error, on the mucocutaneous side effects associated with targeted anticancer therapies.
By following the six steps of the TARGET System, you can limit the side effects of targeted therapies and promote compliance with the needed cancer therapy, avoiding unnecessary discontinuation or dose adjustments.
Managing side effects is easy if you know how!
- Dr. Christine Boers-Doets
