Perspectives on managing skin manifestations in cancer patients: a multidisciplinary mixed-method survey of oncologists and dermatologists.
Cancer treatments often cause skin toxicities that disrupt therapy and reduce patients' quality of life, yet research on their management in the Middle East is scarce. This study aims to examine the practices and challenges of managing skin-related adverse effects in cancer patients.
A mixed-method survey was conducted on a sample of dermatologists and oncologists practicing in Middle Eastern countries who were invited to participate in Pierre Fabre's annual Middle East Medical Convention. A brief online questionnaire, distributed to 250 dermatologists and 19 oncologists, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, assessed the frequency, types, and management of skin conditions, alongside perceived barriers and referral practices.
The study included responses from 117 dermatologists and 19 oncologists. Oncologists encountered cancer-related skin manifestations considerably more often, with 44.4% seeing such cases daily compared to 8.1% of dermatologists (p < 0.001). Notable differences were also observed in the types of skin conditions reported, such as nail changes, which were significantly more frequent among dermatologists (72.6% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001), whereas hand-foot syndrome was markedly more commonly observed among oncologists (89.5% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001). Dermatologists reported feeling very comfortable managing these conditions more often than oncologists (50.4% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.004). Key barriers included the severity of skin conditions, selecting appropriate dermo-cosmetic products, and limited knowledge in onco-dermatology. The qualitative analysis highlighted oncologists' challenges in managing skin toxicities under three main themes: (1) preventing cancer treatment interruptions, (2) limited specialized dermatologic knowledge and support, and (3) addressing patient-centered issues.
Findings reveal differing perspectives between dermatologists and oncologists and underscore the need for greater collaboration to optimize the management of cancer-related skin toxicities.
A mixed-method survey was conducted on a sample of dermatologists and oncologists practicing in Middle Eastern countries who were invited to participate in Pierre Fabre's annual Middle East Medical Convention. A brief online questionnaire, distributed to 250 dermatologists and 19 oncologists, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, assessed the frequency, types, and management of skin conditions, alongside perceived barriers and referral practices.
The study included responses from 117 dermatologists and 19 oncologists. Oncologists encountered cancer-related skin manifestations considerably more often, with 44.4% seeing such cases daily compared to 8.1% of dermatologists (p < 0.001). Notable differences were also observed in the types of skin conditions reported, such as nail changes, which were significantly more frequent among dermatologists (72.6% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001), whereas hand-foot syndrome was markedly more commonly observed among oncologists (89.5% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001). Dermatologists reported feeling very comfortable managing these conditions more often than oncologists (50.4% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.004). Key barriers included the severity of skin conditions, selecting appropriate dermo-cosmetic products, and limited knowledge in onco-dermatology. The qualitative analysis highlighted oncologists' challenges in managing skin toxicities under three main themes: (1) preventing cancer treatment interruptions, (2) limited specialized dermatologic knowledge and support, and (3) addressing patient-centered issues.
Findings reveal differing perspectives between dermatologists and oncologists and underscore the need for greater collaboration to optimize the management of cancer-related skin toxicities.
Authors
Fattore Fattore, Abulkhair Abulkhair, Reda Khorshid Reda Khorshid, Bou Khalil Bou Khalil, Kafrouny Kafrouny, Cherfane Cherfane
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