Canalicular stenosis secondary to docetaxel (taxotere): a newly recognized side effect.
OBJECTIVE
To report a newly recognized side effect of a commonly used antineoplastic agent, docetaxel, in three patients with metastatic breast cancer.


METHODS
Observational case reports.


METHODS
Three patients with metastatic breast cancer who received weekly docetaxel chemotherapy.


METHODS
Occurrence of epiphora and severity of punctal and canalicular fibrosis secondary to docetaxel.


RESULTS
In three patients receiving weekly docetaxel, canalicular stenosis and resultant epiphora developed shortly after start of their treatment. Discontinuation of drug several months after initiation of therapy did not lead to resolution of symptoms in two of the three patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Epiphora is a newly recognized side effect of docetaxel and may occur more frequently with weekly cycles of this drug. The mechanism for epiphora seems to be punctal and canalicular stenosis. This side effect, in advanced cases, is not reversible with discontinuation of the drug. Patients being administered weekly cycles of docetaxel should be screened for epiphora and canalicular stenosis, and treatment in the form of silicone intubation or punctoplasty should be considered in early stages to prevent the need for conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.
Esmaeli
B
B
Ophthalmology Section, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 443, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Valero
V
V
Ahmadi
M A
MA
Booser
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D043823:Taxoids; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel