A Clinical Prospective Study of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucocutaneous Adverse Effects in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of cancer management but is frequently accompanied by diverse mucocutaneous adverse effects due to its action on rapidly proliferating cells. These toxicities can range from mild cosmetic issues to severe reactions necessitating dose modification or discontinuation. This prospective observational study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Government Coimbatore Medical College, systematically evaluated the prevalence, pattern, timing, and drug associations of mucocutaneous adverse reactions among 30 adult patients undergoing single or combination chemotherapy regimens over one year. Nail changes (73.3%), hair changes (50%), mucosal changes (10%) and cutaneous changes (63.3%) were the most common adverse effects, with higher rates than comparable studies like Pavey et al. Specific skin changes noted were xerosis, hand and foot syndrome, cutaneous extravasation, facial hyperpigmentation and supravenous hyperpigmentation. Specific nail changes were onycholysis and melanonychia. Hair changes included anagen effluvium, and mucosal changes included mucosal pigmentation. Early-onset reactions within the first 2-4 cycles were frequent. Proactive counselling, dermatological management, and patient education were effective in minimising morbidity and ensuring uninterrupted therapy. The study highlights the critical role of dermatology-oncology collaboration in holistic cancer care.