How an innovative program is expanding access to specialized skincare needs.
UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Oncodermatology Clinic focuses on meeting the specialized skincare needs of cancer patients. As dermatological morbidity in oncology continues to rise, oncodermatology has emerged as a field dedicated to improving patient outcomes through collaborative and integrated cancer care.
“Cancer care is changing rapidly, and some providers don’t associate skin conditions with delivery of oncology drugs,” says Meghan Heberton, M.D., Director of the Oncodermatology Clinic at Simmons Cancer Center. “An increasing number of cancer patients can benefit from dermatology-specialized, evidence-based interventions.”
Dr. Heberton joined UT Southwestern in 2022 with the goal of building a state-of-the-art oncology dermatology program from the ground up. Simmons Cancer Center is one of the few locations in Texas with a dedicated oncodermatology service.
Specialized Expertise in Skin Care for Cancer Patients
The oncodermatology team has expertise in the assessment and management of skin rashes from chemotherapy treatments, post-surgery or radiation-related skin complications, metastatic disease to the skin, pre- and post-stem cell transplant care, including graft-versus-host disease, and general dermatologic care of patients living with cancer.
In addition to a robust clinical practice, outpatient dermatology procedures such as skin biopsies, cryosurgery, intralesional injections, and excisions are available.
“The field is highly interdisciplinary,” Dr. Heberton says. “While unique and distinct disciplines, oncology and dermatology are integrated in many ways.”
Dr. Heberton and her team work closely with referring providers to deliver the specialized care patients need before, during, and after cancer treatment.
A Vision for the Future of Oncodermatology
While the program just started, Dr. Heberton hopes to increase clinical capacity and develop standardized educational resources for oncodermatology trainees. She is also passionate about making a real-world impact on patient care.
“The potential for clinical and translational research is endless,” Dr. Heberton explains. “We are making this area a top priority as we expand the program.”
Meghan Heberton, M.D., is Assistant Professor of Dermatology at UT Southwestern and the Director of the Oncodermatology Clinic at Simmons Cancer Center.