Pseudomembranous colitis in a patient treated with paclitaxel for carcinoma of the breast: a case report.
BACKGROUND
The concomitant antimicrobial properties of antineoplastic agents may play a role in causing pseudomembranous colitis, which has been documented for cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil.


METHODS
We describe the first case reported in the English literature of severe pseudomembranous colitis occurring in a patient given paclitaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. There was no prior antibiotic therapy. Stool culture confirmed Clostridium difficile.


METHODS
Oral vancomycin, metronidazole and cholestyramine led to prompt improvement of intestinal symptoms, which resolved in two weeks.


RESULTS
Repeat colonoscopy performed 3 months later showed total resolution of the colitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of pseudomembranous colitis after paclitaxel chemotherapy can avert life-threatening complications.
Ang
P
P
Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore. dmoacs@nccs.com.sg
Cheong
W K
WK
Khoo
K S
KS
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel