Radiation recall dermatitis and pneumonitis in a patient treated with paclitaxel.
BACKGROUND
Radiation recall refers to a tissue reaction produced by a chemotherapeutic agent in a previously irradiated field that would not occur in a nonirradiated field. A number of agents have been reported to cause radiation recall. Recently, there have been case reports of recall dermatitis from paclitaxel treatment.


METHODS
A patient with metastatic lung cancer received palliative radiation to her mediastinum and ribs. Because of disease progression, she subsequently received paclitaxel.


RESULTS
After paclitaxel administration, the patient became acutely dyspneic. A subsequent chest X-ray revealed a parenchymal opacity in a region that corresponded with the patient's radiation portal. She also developed a severe skin reaction in the previously treated electron field.


CONCLUSIONS
This is one of few reported cases of recall dermatitis from paclitaxel and is also suggestive of recall pneumonitis, a phenomenon previously unreported to the authors' knowledge. Given paclitaxel's ability to function as a radiosensitizer, this response is not unexpected. As the frequency of paclitaxel administration increases, its potential as a radiation sensitizer and radiation recall should be considered.
Schweitzer
V G
VG
Department of Radiation Oncology, UCLA Medical Center 90024, USA.
Juillard
G J
GJ
Bajada
C L
CL
Parker
R G
RG
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects
D017239:Paclitaxel