DURHAM, N.C., May 22 -- Skin reactions to a powerful new class of anti-cancer drugs are frequent, but manageable through a simple and rational treatment approach — usually without the need to reduce the dose or interrupt treatment with potentially life-prolonging chemotherapyterm, according to an article in the May issue of "The Oncologist."

The special article presents the first recommendations on skin reactions to the new drugs, called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors (EGFRIs). The guidelines were developed at an international multidisciplinary meeting, including medical oncologists, dermatologists, nurses, and pharmacists. "One important goal is to ensure that healthcare professionals and patients see EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicity as manageable, thereby optimizing clinical benefit from continued and uninterrupted use of EGFRIs when possible," according to lead author Dr. Thomas J. Lynch, Jr., of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.