Skin-related Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer Taking Oral Targeted Agents: A SingleCenter, Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the level of the relationship between skin toxicities and skin-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with lung cancer taking oral targeted agents. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study surveyed 152 lung cancer patients receiving oral targeted agents. The Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PROCTCAE) was used to assess skin toxicity. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate skin-related QoL. Collected data were analyzed with independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation using the SPSS 27.0 statistical analysis software for Windows. @*Results@#Skin toxicity was the highest among patients who reported skin dryness 2.07±1.20, followed by itching 1.91±1.25, rash 1.48±1.32, skin darkening 1.39±1.16, hives 1.38±1.25, acne 1.37±1.36, nail (finger or toe) ulceration 1.34±1.34, nail ridging 1.20±1.14, sensitivity to sunlight 1.10±1.07, stretch marks 0.95±1.13, hair loss 0.91±1.14 and nail discoloration 0.83±1.07.The subjects' mean skin-related QoL of the participants was 7.29±6.11 out of 30. Skin-related QoL showed a statistically significant positive correlation with skin toxicity. @*Conclusion@#Skin toxicities correlated significantly with poor skin-related QoL. Skin toxicity levels in lung cancer patients receiving oral targeted therapies need to be closely monitored, and strategies to enhance skin-related QoL must be developed.