a dermatologist with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explains how providers can manage adverse events that result from melanoma therapies.

	BRAF and MEK inhibitors have numerous common side effects that can sometimes cause patients to discontinue therapy. However, there are several ways that providers can work with patients to avoid these side effects, says Lacouture.

	Using a topical cortical steroid and oral antibiotic proactively can reduce the severity of acneiform rash, often caused by MEK inhibitors. Hyperkeratosis of the hands and feet and dry skin, which are common side effects of BRAF inhibitors, can be prevented by advising the patient to use a moisturizer with exfoliate activity.

	Patients on certain types of BRAF inhibitors also experience photosensitivity. This can result in severe sunburn with blisters after only 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure.  Patients on this therapy should be advised to take the necessary precautions to avoid sun exposure, says Lacouture.

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Mario E. Lacouture, MD, a dermatologist with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explains how providers can manage adverse events that result from melanoma therapies.

Dr. Lacouture On Preventing Dermatological Adverse Events in Melanoma

Mario E. Lacouture, MD, dermatologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, explains the challenges that need to be overcome to improve communication between oncologists and dermatologists.

Lacouture says that one of the major challenges stems from an overall lack of dermatologists. As a result, only 8% of patients who develop a dermatologic side effect will actually see a dermatologist during therapy.

The timing of communication is important as oncologists need to quickly judge whether or not to continue with therapy. At the initial referral to a dermatologist, the oncologist needs to provide information about duration of treatment and type of therapy. This can be used to more accurately determine the cause of the adverse event.

Dermatologists and oncologists have different systems for grading side effects in patients. To provide an accurate classification of adverse events, dermatologists must be aware of the language and terminology used by oncologists.

Mario E. Lacouture, MD

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Dr. Lacouture On Preventing Dermatological Adverse Events in Melanoma

Dr. Lacouture on Dermatologist Communication