Patient Utilization and Satisfaction of Supportive Skin Care Products Among Children with Cancer Receiving Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Inhibitors

Abstract

Background

Drugs that target the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway have caused frequent and significant skin toxicity, which has led to increased burden on both patients and their caregivers. Routine skin care products for daily use have been shown to improve skin toxicity. If a patient is provided with basic skin care products for daily use this could facilitate skin management while on these medications.

Method

Participants 0–21 years old who were treated with any medication targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were eligible for this prospective, single-site study. Each participant received a complimentary skin care kit consisting of skin, hair, and oral care items. The utilization of these skin care kits was evaluated and participant satisfaction with the items was measured. Secondarily, the participants’ quality of life (QOL) was assessed and the participants’ adherence to their MAPK inhibitor was evaluated.

Results

Seventeen participants (10 male, 7 female) with a median age of 10.5 years were enrolled. Forty-seven percent of participants rated their satisfaction with the kit as excellent, and no patient rated it as poor. Seventy-seven percent of participants rated the kit helpful, and the majority (76.5%) thought the kits should be distributed before the initiation of therapy. QOL changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Participants on MAPK inhibitors who received skin care kits were satisfied with the kits’ ability to help with their skin side effects. Given the high satisfaction and acceptability, future studies should evaluate the effect of these kits on QOL with adequate power to detect improvements.