Docetaxel extravasation causing significant delayed tissue injury.
OBJECTIVE
Docetaxel is a relatively new taxane that has not been associated with significant tissue injury after extravasation. We present a case of a patient who had grade 4 tissue toxicity after extravasation of docetaxel infused through a peripheral intravenous site.


METHODS
A 71-year-old female was being treated for recurrent ovarian cancer with docetaxel and carboplatin. Shortly after the docetaxel infusion began, she experienced docetaxel extravasation into the dorsum of her left hand. The infusion was halted, and then the administration was continued in a peripheral intravenous site in the other upper extremity. Erythema was noted by the patient on the dorsum of her left hand 6 days after infiltration. The following day, the patient noted severe pain, decreased function, and blistering along with increased erythema. The patient presented to the gynecology oncology clinic 11 days after the extravasation injury occurred. Conservative management was undertaken, and over the next 4 weeks the patient had resolution of the skin changes and full return of function.


CONCLUSIONS
Docetaxel can cause significant delayed tissue injury if extravasation occurs.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
J
J
Raley
J P
JP
Geisler
T E
TE
Buekers
J I
JI
Sorosky
D000368:Aged; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001768:Blister / Q000139:chemically induced; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D043823:Taxoids
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel