Cutaneous adverse effects of systemic therapy for metastatic malignant melanoma

The systemic therapy of malignant melanoma has undergone great development in the last ten years due to the discovery of new drugs from the groups of immunotherapeutics and targeted drugs. These substances significantly increase the frequency of remissions and prolong the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. In addition to the proven anti-tumor effect, however, they have a number of specific side effects that can affect the course and effectiveness of oncological treatment, and can be potentially life-threatening for the patient. These side effects are very often manifested on the skin. Skin toxicity is usually less severe and in most cases does not require treatment interruption. However, it can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and thus on their adherence to treatment. In the case of immunotherapy, it is primarily the development of a non-specific maculopapular exanthema, vitiligo and pruritus, while with targeted treatment, the development of photosensitivity, the development of squamous cell carcinoma or the formation of painful hyperkeratoses. The aim of the article is a brief overview of the skin side effects of systemic treatment together with an outline of the basic possibilities of their therapeutic influence.

Keywords: malignant melanoma, immunotherapy, targeted treatment.