Taxane-induced morphea in a patient with CREST syndrome.
The taxanes, docetaxel and paclitaxel, are microtubule stabilizing chemotherapeutic agents that have demonstrated antineoplastic effects in a variety of solid tumors. They have been linked to the development of localized cutaneous sclerosis in some patients. We present a case of docetaxel-induced cutaneous sclerosis of the lower extremities in a patient with pre-existing CREST syndrome. We propose that patients with a history of limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis should be given taxane chemotherapy with caution, as these patients may have an immunological predisposition for the development of drug-induced morphea.
Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Susan M
SM
Bouchard
Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Melinda R
MR
Mohr
Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Robert J
RJ
Pariser
CREST syndrome; docetaxel; morphea; scleroderma; taxane.