TITLE:
Effects of Cosmetic Therapy on Cosmetic Side Effects of Chemotherapy to Improve the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients—Effects of Cosmetic Therapy on QOL of Cancer Patients
AUTHORS:
Akiko Hatanaka, Yohei Kono, Hiromi Ueno, Masako Kariu, Mina Yawata, Miyuki Murata, Mika Fujiwara, Kaoru Okame, Ikuyo Arakane, Chiho Tomimatsu, Yuiko Nagasawa, Takahiro Hiratsuka, Satoshi Otsu, Yasushi Kawano, Masao Ogata, Yutaka Hatano, Shizuyo Tominaga, Masafumi Inomata
KEYWORDS:
Alopecia, Chemotherapy, Cosmetic Therapy, Pigmentation, Quality of Life
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced skin symptoms are diverse and vary in severity. As more cancer patients live in the community while continuing treatment, changes in appearance due to skin disorders reduce their quality of life (QOL). Cosmetic therapy may be one effective method to improve QOL. We investigated the effects of cosmetic therapy on QOL of cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced changes in appearance. Methods: Female patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent outpatient chemotherapy at our hospital and developed CTCAE ≥ grade 2 eyebrow or eyelash alopecia, or ≥ grade 1 skin hyperpigmentation were enrolled in this prospective study. Cosmetic therapy was performed by nurses who acquired skills in cosmetic therapy. QOL indices before and after cosmetic therapy were assessed and compared using Skindex-16, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) skin condition and makeup satisfaction, and Cancer Patient Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: The study included 21 patients, 16 of whom were evaluated after cosmetic therapy. The mean age was 63.5 (43 - 79) years. The Number of cases by CTCAE grade were eyebrow alopecia grades 0/1/2 = 5/6/5, eyelash alopecia grades 0/1/2 = 3/7/6, and pigmentation grades 0/1/2 = 1/13/2. The Skindex-16 emotional score improved from 31.0 before to 3.7 after cosmetic therapy (p Conclusions: Implementation of cosmetic therapy for cancer patients improved negative emotions caused by appearance changes associated with chemotherapy-induced skin damage, suggesting that cosmetic therapy improves QOL.