La Roche-Posay & ONS: New Resource for Skin Toxicity in Diverse Skin Tones | Cancer Therapy
- Today, February 4, 2026, La Roche-Posay announced a partnership with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) to address a significant gap in dermatologic representation within cancer care.
- Cutaneous toxicities are common side effects of cancer treatments, affecting approximately 80% of oncology patients.
- Currently, only 4.5% of medical educational materials feature diverse skin tones, despite the fact that over 40% of the United States population identifies as people of color or...
Today, , La Roche-Posay announced a partnership with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) to address a significant gap in dermatologic representation within cancer care. The initiative, timed to coincide with World Cancer Day and Black History Month, centers on a grant to fund the creation of the first dedicated skin of color skin toxicity photo repository for oncology nurses.
The Disparity in Dermatologic Representation
Cutaneous toxicities are common side effects of cancer treatments, affecting approximately 80% of oncology patients. These can include radiation dermatitis, rashes associated with targeted therapies, and hand-foot syndrome. Early identification and management of these skin reactions are crucial for maintaining treatment adherence and improving a patient’s quality of life. However, a significant disparity exists in the visual resources used for medical education and clinical reference.
Currently, only 4.5% of medical educational materials feature diverse skin tones, despite the fact that over 40% of the United States population identifies as people of color or non-white. This underrepresentation isn’t merely a matter of inclusivity; it poses a potential risk to patient safety, particularly for Black patients and other communities of color, as it can hinder accurate identification and timely intervention for dermatologic toxicities.
A Targeted Solution: The Skin of Color Skin Toxicity Photo Repository
The new repository will be a digital database specifically designed for oncology nurses, focusing on how cancer treatment-related skin toxicities manifest across a range of skin tones. La Roche-Posay emphasized that while other clinical databases exist for general dermatology, this project is the first dedicated exclusively to the needs of oncology nursing practice. The resource will be integrated directly into ONS platforms, providing nurses with readily accessible, evidence-based guidance.
“At La Roche-Posay, we believe that skin health should be equitable for everyone. We see our mission to support and improve the quality of life for all cancer patients,” said Rachelle Mladjenovic, General Manager of La Roche-Posay, USA. “By partnering with the Oncology Nursing Society to build this repository, we are providing a functional, clinical solution tailored to the nursing workflow to ensure nurses have the resources to provide proper care for all patients with all skin types and tones.” She further stated, “When we looked at the data, it was a clear call to action for the brand. Only a small fraction of medical materials had shown what these side effects look like on darker skin tones, and now with the integration of the Skin of Color Skin Toxicity Photo Repository within the ONS platform, we are proud to provide the best level of care for all cancer patients across all skin tones.”
Improving Patient Outcomes Through Enhanced Clinical Tools
The repository aims to address a critical need for a practical clinical tool that can be used at the point of care. By compiling clinically relevant images of treatment-related dermatologic toxicities as they appear on diverse skin tones, and supporting these images with evidence-based context, the resource will empower oncology nurses to more accurately assess and manage these side effects.
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), representing over 35,000 members and serving a broader community of over 100,000 oncology nurses in the US, will lead the creation and implementation of the database. According to Jessica Macintyre, Board of Directors President of ONS, “This partnership with La Roche-Posay enables ONS to address a significant educational gap by equipping clinicians with the largest, first-of-its-kind library focused on treatment-released skin toxicities, including those affecting skin of color. Strengthening early identification and intervention through this resource is essential to improving patient outcomes and ensuring every person impacted by cancer receives the highest standard of care.”
The initiative underscores a commitment to addressing health equity and improving the quality of care for all cancer patients, recognizing that visual representation plays a vital role in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
References
1. La Roche-Posay and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Announce Landmark Partnership to Close the Representation Gap in Cancer Care for Diverse Skin Tones. News release. PR Newswire. Published . Accessed . https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/la-roche-posay-and-the-oncology-nursing-society-ons-announce-landmark-partnership-to-close-the-representation-gap-in-cancer-care-for-diverse-skin-tones-302678633.html