Corrective and Restorative Dermatology in Cancer Survivors - An Urgent Unmet Need - Narrative Review

Sep 22, 2026

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The increasing efficacy of oncological therapies has created a rapidly growing population of cancer survivors and shifted clinical focus toward long-term, late sequelae. Dermatological adverse events are among the most visible and persistent outcomes, affecting quality of life through alopecia, nail abnormalities, pigmentary changes, chronic radiation skin damage, scarring, vascular and mucosal alterations, and secondary skin cancers. These sequelae can also drive functional impairment, psychological distress, and altered body image, especially in those treated in childhood or adolescence. This narrative review summarizes long-lasting dermatological events across chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted and immunotherapies, endocrine treatments, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and discusses corrective and restorative interventions while emphasizing multidisciplinary survivorship care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Key Points

1 Introduction

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2026) 27:515–535 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-026-01027-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-026-01027-0) Corrective and Restorative Dermatology in Cancer Survivors: An Urgent Unmet Need! Luca Rapparini1,2 · Timila Assia Touhouche3 · Davide Fattore4 · Azael Freites‑Martinez5 · Pauline Hirtz3 · Zoe Apalla6 · EmmanuelleVigarios7 · Delphine Maret8 · Michela Starace1,2 · Vincent Sibaud3 Received: 22 January 2026 / Accepted: 17 March 2026 / Published online: 31 March 2026 © The Author(s) 2026 Abstract The increasing efficacy of oncological therapies has led to a rapidly growing population of cancer survivors, shifting clinical attention from acute treatment-related toxicities to long-term and late sequelae. Among these, dermatological sequelae represent some of the most visible and persistent consequences of cancer treatments and may significantly impair quality of life. Persistent alopecia, nail disorders, pigmentary alterations, chronic radiation-induced skin changes, scarring, vascular abnormalities, mucosal alterations, and secondary skin cancers may develop or persist long after treatment completion, acting as constant reminders of the cancer experience. These conditions are not only cosmetic; they may be associated with functional limitations, psychological distress, and altered body image, particularly in patients treated during childhood or adolescence. While the role of supportive oncodermatology during active cancer treatment is well established, structured dermatological care in the survivorship phase remains insufficiently developed. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the main long-lasting dermatological adverse events associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, endocrine treatments, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, available restorative and corrective dermatological interventions are discussed, with a focus on improving long-term outcomes and patient well-being. Recognizing and managing dermatological sequelae is an essential component of modern survivorship care, and dermatologists should play a central role in multidisciplinary follow-up programs dedicated to cancer survivors. * Luca Rapparini [luca.rapparini2@studio.unibo.it](luca.rapparini2@studio.unibo.it) 1 Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda OspedalieroUniversitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy 2 Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy 3 Oncodermatology-Univ Toulouse, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France 4 Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy 5 Oncodermatology Clinic, Hospital Ruber Juan Bravo and Universidad Europea, Madrid, Spain 6 First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece 7 Oral Medicine, Univ Toulouse, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France 8 Laboratoire CAGT, Department of Dental Surgery, Université of Toulouse, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France Key Points Advances in cancer therapies have resulted in a growing population of long-term cancer survivors with chronic dermatological sequelae, such as persistent alopecia, nail abnormalities, pigmentary disorders, telangiectasias, scarring, mucosal alterations, and chronic radiationinduced skin changes. Dermatological sequelae may cause functional impairment, psychological distress, altered body image, and reduced quality of life. Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable, due to the long-lasting impact on physical appearance and identity development. Most supportive oncodermatology programs focus on acute toxicities, while post-treatment dermatological needs remain largely unmet. Dermatologists should playa key role in s

FAQs

Why are dermatological sequelae considered important in cancer survivorship care?

They are often persistent and highly visible, and can cause functional impairment, psychological distress, altered body image, and reduced quality of life.

Which long-lasting dermatological adverse events are discussed?

The review covers persistent alopecia, nail disorders, pigmentary alterations, chronic radiation-induced skin changes, scarring, vascular abnormalities, mucosal alterations, and secondary skin cancers.

How does the document define restorative oncodermatology in the survivorship phase?

It refers to managing dermatological manifestations that persist for at least 6 months after completion of anticancer treatment and may require additional dermatological care.

Sep 22, 2026

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