Healthcare professionals collaborating remotely via holographic projections to assess a patient's skin condition.

Distance Doesn't Define Care: How Teledermatology Can Revolutionize Your Cancer Treatment

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how teledermatology is breaking down barriers in cancer care, offering accessible and timely dermatological assessments for patients undergoing chemotherapy and improving quality of life."

Cancer treatment often brings unexpected side effects, with skin rashes being a common concern. These rashes, known as dermatologic toxicities, can be uncomfortable, impact appearance, and even disrupt treatment plans. Traditionally, managing these issues meant scheduling appointments with dermatologists, which could be difficult, especially when travel is involved.

Imagine a scenario where specialized dermatological care is readily available, regardless of location. This is the promise of teledermatology, a field that uses technology to bridge the gap between patients and specialists. By leveraging telemedicine, healthcare providers can assess and manage skin conditions remotely, ensuring that patients receive the timely care they need without added stress.

This article explores how teledermatology is transforming cancer care, focusing on a pilot project that brought dermatological expertise directly to patients undergoing chemotherapy at an outpatient infusion center. Learn how this innovative approach not only improved access to care but also enhanced patient satisfaction and collaboration among healthcare teams.

Breaking Down Barriers: Teledermatology in Action

Healthcare professionals collaborating remotely via holographic projections to assess a patient's skin condition.

The pilot project, conducted at a chemotherapy infusion center, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teledermatology in assessing and managing dermatologic conditions arising from cancer treatments. Patients experiencing skin rashes during chemotherapy were offered the opportunity to consult with a dermatologist located at the institution's main campus through a telemedicine cart.

The telemedicine cart was equipped with a high-resolution total body examination camera and audio capabilities, allowing the dermatologist to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's skin. The chemotherapy nurse played a vital role in facilitating the visit, assisting with the camera, answering questions, and reinforcing the dermatologist's recommendations.

The pilot project demonstrated several key benefits:

Enhanced access to care: Patients received timely dermatological assessments without the need to travel to the main campus.
Improved patient satisfaction: Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the convenience and quality of care received through telemedicine.
Strengthened clinician collaboration: Teledermatology fostered communication and collaboration between the dermatologist, oncologist, and chemotherapy nurse.

The success of this pilot project highlights the potential of teledermatology to improve cancer care. By leveraging technology, healthcare providers can break down geographical barriers, enhance access to specialized care, and ultimately improve the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The Future of Cancer Care: Accessible, Timely, and Patient-Centered

Teledermatology is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how we deliver cancer care. By embracing innovative solutions like telemedicine, we can ensure that patients receive the specialized care they need, when they need it, regardless of their location. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall cancer care experience are endless.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1188/12.cjon.418-420, Alternate LINK

Title: Dermatologic Assessment From A Distance: The Use Of Teledermatology In An Outpatient Chemotherapy Infusion Center

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing

Publisher: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

Authors: Jeanine Gordon

Published: 2012-07-28

Everything You Need To Know

What is teledermatology and how does it help cancer patients?

Teledermatology utilizes technology to connect patients with dermatologists remotely. This is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy who may experience dermatologic toxicities, offering timely assessments and management of skin conditions without the need for extensive travel. It also facilitates communication between healthcare providers, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care.

What are dermatologic toxicities and why are they a concern during cancer treatment?

Dermatologic toxicities are skin rashes and other skin-related side effects that can occur as a result of cancer treatments like chemotherapy. These toxicities can cause discomfort, affect a patient's appearance, and potentially disrupt their treatment plan. Teledermatology offers a way to manage these side effects promptly and effectively.

How did the pilot project utilize technology to deliver remote dermatological care?

The pilot project at the chemotherapy infusion center used a telemedicine cart equipped with a high-resolution total body examination camera and audio capabilities. This allowed a dermatologist at the main campus to conduct thorough skin assessments remotely. The chemotherapy nurse played a key role in facilitating the visit, operating the camera, addressing patient questions, and reinforcing the dermatologist's recommendations.

What were the key benefits demonstrated by the teledermatology pilot project, and were any economic benefits discussed?

The pilot project demonstrated enhanced access to care, as patients received timely dermatological assessments without traveling. It also showed improved patient satisfaction due to the convenience and quality of telemedicine. Furthermore, it strengthened collaboration between the dermatologist, oncologist, and chemotherapy nurse, improving overall care coordination. The project did not address the cost-effectiveness directly but implies that reduced travel and improved efficiency could lead to cost savings. A deeper economic analysis would be needed to confirm this.

In what ways does teledermatology improve the overall experience and outcomes of cancer care?

Teledermatology improves cancer care by breaking down geographical barriers, enhancing access to specialized dermatological care for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. It allows for timely assessment and management of dermatologic toxicities, improving the patient experience and enabling better collaboration among healthcare teams, ultimately leading to a more patient-centered approach to cancer care. The integration of teledermatology also highlights the potential for incorporating other telemedicine solutions to manage various aspects of cancer treatment, such as remote monitoring of vital signs and virtual consultations for supportive care.