Management of dermatologic adverse events associated with tumour treating fields in patients with glioblastoma multiforme: A 27-case series

This study summarised the clinical management of 27 patients with glioblastoma multiforme who experienced dermatologic adverse events after tumour treating fields therapy for the healthcare providers. A case study was conducted. The most commonly reported adverse events occurring in patients undergoing tumour treating fields therapy, a novel treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, are dermatologic adverse events including hyperhidrosis, xerosis or pruritus, contact dermatitis, skin erosion and ulceration, and skin and soft tissue infection. Glioblastoma multiforme patients who experienced dermatologic adverse events after tumour treating fields therapy from April 2019 to May 2021 were included. The clinical management involved educating patients and their caregivers on the prevention of dermatologic adverse events, scalp assessment and preparation, and removal and replacement of the transducer array. Informed consent for participating with the study including taking of pictures were obtained from all patients. The dermatologic adverse events were successfully managed in all 27 patients, with no severe dermatologic adverse events reported. The results of this study provide guidance for the individualised management of dermatologic adverse events in patients receiving tumour treating fields therapy, which can ensure better outcomes and improve patients’ health-related quality of life. •The tumour treating fields -related dermatologic adverse events can lead to treatment interruption or discontinuation among glioblastoma multiforme patients.•Data on tumour treating fields -related dermatologic adverse events and the management of scalp dermatologic adverse events are lacking.•This case series demonstrates that the targeted management in glioblastoma multiforme patients treated with tumour treating fields therapy is potential to prevent treatment interruption or discontinuation.•The targeted management might help healthcare providers to improve treatment adherence and efficacy of glioblastoma multiforme patients.