Docetaxel extravasation.
We report on an accidental extravasation of docetaxel given intravenously as chemotherapy in a cancer patient. The extravasate was immediately diluted subcutaneously with saline, in addition to which hypothermia (ice-packs) was implemented and topical dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was applied three times every 45 min. Corticosteroids and diclofenac were also administered. Dermatitis developed immediately but had disappeared within 24 h. Notably, dermatopathological changes were absent on days 2-4, minimal on day 5, and increased thereafter. Dermatitis developed as a late symptom, resulting in brown discoloration and skin hyperplasia. No plastic surgical intervention was necessary. We propose that isotonic saline, topical DMSO and local hypothermia may have restricted the inflammation and tissue necrosis induced by the extravasation of docetaxel. Repetitive topical application of DMSO beyond the day of extravasation had no additional benefit.
Berghammer
P
P
Ludwig Boltzmann-Institute for Applied Cancer Research, 3rd Department of Medicine-Oncology, Kaiser Franz-Josef-Spital, Kundratstrasse 3, 1100 Vienna, Austria.
Pöhnl
R
R
Baur
M
M
Dittrich
C
C
D000368:Aged; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043823:Taxoids
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D007053:Ice; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D017239:Paclitaxel; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide