The Esthetic Use of Botulinum Toxins in Cancer Patients: Providing a Foundation for Future Indications
- Francesca Arrigoni
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The progressive improvement in cancer survival has led to increasing attention to issues related to body image and patients’ psychological well-being. In this context, aesthetic medicine is required to address new and complex clinical needs, which call for a rigorous scientific framework.
A recent review published in Toxins systematically addresses the topic of the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin in cancer patients, providing a critical analysis of the currently available evidence. The article is positioned within the broader field of supportive care, exploring the potential role of aesthetic medicine within the overall care pathway.
The authors highlight that botulinum toxin is widely used in medical practice, including in cancer patients, for well-established therapeutic indications. However, extending its use to aesthetic purposes raises specific questions, particularly regarding patient selection, timing in relation to oncological treatments, and clinical risk assessment.
The analysis shows that, in the absence of specific contraindications and in carefully selected patients, the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin demonstrates an overall favorable tolerability profile. A central element emphasized by the authors is the importance of appropriate integration between oncological history, overall clinical status, and ongoing or completed therapeutic pathways.
A critical issue identified by the review is the lack of dedicated guidelines and shared recommendations for the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin in this clinical setting. This gap contributes to marked heterogeneity in clinical practice and reinforces the need for a cautious, multidisciplinary approach.
Overall, the article provides a clear and balanced synthesis of current knowledge, laying the groundwork for the future development of specific clinical recommendations and for a more informed use of botulinum toxin in selected cancer patients, in accordance with principles of safety, appropriateness, and clinical responsibility.
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