Peer-reviewed article

NURS-04. COMBINATION OF NEURO-ONCOLOGY AND DERMATOLOGY CLINICS IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE OF SKIN-RELATED TOXICITIES WITH MEK AND BRAF TARGETED THERAPY

McKeown T, Lara-Corrales I, Cote A · 1 Dec 2020

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND The recent advancement in treating pediatric low grade glioma has led to upfront use of MEK and BRAF (MAPK) inhibitor therapy. At the Hospital for Sick Children we are the National leaders in treating pediatric oncology diagnosis with MAPK therapies. DESIGN: After treating several patients on MAPK inhibitors with various degrees of skin toxicity, we found we had poor and inconsistent access to dermatology services and as oncology practitioners had limited front-line knowledge about skin management. It was determined that a more formalized expertise and time with dermatology was needed. In 2018, in combination with the dermatology team, our new agents and innovative therapy and the nursing team we collaborated to develop a combined oncology and dermatology clinic. This clinic occurs twice a month to give our families and oncology teams better front-line access to dermatology knowledge and care. RESULTS The dermatology and oncology team have collaborated to provide information sessions for the oncology medical team about current research, skin grading and education. This combined approach has allowed us to ensure that each new family starting MAPK inhibitor therapy undergoes a baseline skin assessment, education on prophylactic skin measures and easier access to dermatology within their oncology clinic. We are also developing guidelines to consistently treat common skin related toxicities. CONCLUSION The early involvement of the dermatology clinic and increase knowledge with the nursing and medical team has allowed our families to gain confidence in managing skin related complication and reducing the need to hold targeted therapies as a result of dermatological toxicity.