Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy and nail solution (NS) use in preventing nail toxicity (NT) induced by taxane-based chemotherapy. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov registry databases were searched for relevant studies published up to December 2018. The primary outcome was taxane-induced NT. Secondary outcomes were skin toxicity (ST), time to toxicity and patient comfort. Results: We reviewed three randomised control trials and six prospective studies with 708 patients. For meta-analysis, taxane-induced NT grading was compared. NT and ST were significantly lower in the cryotherapy patients than in the controls (grade 1 NT: risk ratio [RR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30–0.89; grade 2–3 NT: RR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.11–1.12; total NT: RR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.30–0.79; ST: RR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.33–0.64). The NS-treated patients exhibited significantly lower NT than the controls. Conclusions: Nail solution-treated or cryotherapy patients exhibited lower NT incidence and severity associated with taxane-based chemotherapy than the controls. For patients who can afford and comply with NS use or cryotherapy, these measures represent effective prophylactic management for taxane-induced NT and improve their quality of life and functional statuses. Further studies are needed to establish the routine usage protocols, long-term efficacy and safety for these interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13118
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1 2019

Keywords

  • chemotherapy
  • cryotherapy
  • frozen gloves
  • nail solution
  • nail toxicity
  • onycholysis
  • taxane

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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