Asian Oncol Nurs.  2023 Jun;23(2):84-90. 10.5388/aon.2023.23.2.84.

Skin-related Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer Taking Oral Targeted Agents: A SingleCenter, Cross-Sectional Study

• Park JM
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2546857
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2023.23.2.84

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the level of the relationship between skin toxicities and skin-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with lung cancer taking oral targeted agents.
Methods
This cross-sectional study surveyed 152 lung cancer patients receiving oral targeted agents. The Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PROCTCAE) was used to assess skin toxicity. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate skin-related QoL. Collected data were analyzed with independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation using the SPSS 27.0 statistical analysis software for Windows.
Results
Skin toxicity was the highest among patients who reported skin dryness 2.07±1.20, followed by itching 1.91±1.25, rash 1.48±1.32, skin darkening 1.39±1.16, hives 1.38±1.25, acne 1.37±1.36, nail (finger or toe) ulceration 1.34±1.34, nail ridging 1.20±1.14, sensitivity to sunlight 1.10±1.07, stretch marks 0.95±1.13, hair loss 0.91±1.14 and nail discoloration 0.83±1.07. The subjects' mean skin-related QoL of the participants was 7.29±6.11 out of 30. Skin-related QoL showed a statistically significant positive correlation with skin toxicity.
Conclusion
Skin toxicities correlated significantly with poor skin-related QoL. Skin toxicity levels in lung cancer patients receiving oral targeted therapies need to be closely monitored, and strategies to enhance skin-related QoL must be developed.

Keyword

Lung cancer; Quality of life; Skin; oral medicine; Chemotherapy