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Is Cystic Acne A Specific Side Effect Of Temodar?
Question: I have developed severe cystic acne since starting Temodar. In the past I developed cystic acne as a response to stress/anxiety, however it was never this severe. I'm even using Proactive + (benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and salicylic acid 0.5%) with no noticeable improvement. I finished 30 rounds of radiation in late October. Could the Temodar be the culprit, or is it a lasting side effect of the radiation?
I was diagnosed with grade II mixed oligoastrocytoma via pathology report from near total resection on 7/29/14, followed by Temodar 300mg 5d a month in December, almost immediately I started experiencing severe cystic acne.
I was diagnosed with grade II mixed oligoastrocytoma via pathology report from near total resection on 7/29/14, followed by Temodar 300mg 5d a month in December, almost immediately I started experiencing severe cystic acne.
Brief Answer:
May be unrelated to Temodar.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I am an oncologist of several years experience and your problem does not appear to be related directly to Temodar.
Firstly, cystic acne is not a specific side effect of Temodar. Temodar is known to cause several types of skin related side effect but not cystic acne per se.
Cystic acne on the other hand is related to hormonal changes in the body, which in turn is related to stress and anxiety, besides other things. The stress of the cancer, surgery and chemotherapy can lead to such a condition particularly in patients who have had it in the past. Radiation therapy is known to precipitate this in some patients.
As to the treatment, your treatment appears to be appropriate except that you need to take an antibiotic along with such as azithromycin in consultation with your treating doctor. If, the condition doesnt respond then an oral or topical retinoid (a form of vitamin A) might help.
I have seen the pictures and the condition doesnt appear to me that is going to flare further. It should limit itself with the current treatment.
I hope this answers all your queries. If there are anymore, I will be glad to answer them.
take care.
May be unrelated to Temodar.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I am an oncologist of several years experience and your problem does not appear to be related directly to Temodar.
Firstly, cystic acne is not a specific side effect of Temodar. Temodar is known to cause several types of skin related side effect but not cystic acne per se.
Cystic acne on the other hand is related to hormonal changes in the body, which in turn is related to stress and anxiety, besides other things. The stress of the cancer, surgery and chemotherapy can lead to such a condition particularly in patients who have had it in the past. Radiation therapy is known to precipitate this in some patients.
As to the treatment, your treatment appears to be appropriate except that you need to take an antibiotic along with such as azithromycin in consultation with your treating doctor. If, the condition doesnt respond then an oral or topical retinoid (a form of vitamin A) might help.
I have seen the pictures and the condition doesnt appear to me that is going to flare further. It should limit itself with the current treatment.
I hope this answers all your queries. If there are anymore, I will be glad to answer them.
take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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