Cutaneous fibrosis induced by docetaxel

Abstract

BACKGROUND Docetaxel is a taxoid antineoplastic agent approved for use in the treatment of metastatic breast carcinoma. The current study reports an unusual case of generalized cutaneous fibrosis in a 39‐year‐old white female after treatment with 18 cycles of docetaxel for metastatic breast carcinoma. METHODS Cutaneous fibrosis represents a rare and unique reaction associated with the cyclic use of docetaxel. The reaction is manifested by a distinct sequence of events involving pronounced edema followed by the rapid development of cutaneous fibrosis in dependent areas. RESULTS Cessation of therapy results in dramatic reversal of the fibrotic process. CONCLUSIONS This case report further substantiates the belief that docetaxel represents one of a very limited number of agents that appear capable of giving rise to scleroderma‐like features. Cancer 2000;88:1078–81. © 2000 American Cancer Society.

Gemcitabine-associated scleroderma-like changes of the lower extremities

“…14 To date, 4 observations of scleroderma changes of the lower limbs have been reported, exclusively induced by docetaxel. 15,16 In one case, the scleroderma changes extended to the lower aspect of the trunk and the distal upper extremities. 16 The clinical presentation was very similar to our observation with 3 phases of skin involvement: (1) an initial inflammatory and indurated edematous phase of the lower limbs followed by; (2) scleroderma changes and pigmentation of the skin; and (3) a softening phase.…”

“…15,16 In one case, the scleroderma changes extended to the lower aspect of the trunk and the distal upper extremities. 16 The clinical presentation was very similar to our observation with 3 phases of skin involvement: (1) an initial inflammatory and indurated edematous phase of the lower limbs followed by; (2) scleroderma changes and pigmentation of the skin; and (3) a softening phase. Although the exact pathophysiologic mechanism is unknown, the exclusive and circumscribed localization of the scleroderma-like changes in dependant areas suggest a locoregional toxicity by an accumulation of the drug or its metabolites in the subcutaneous tissue.…”

Chemotherapeutic agents and the skin: An update

“…168,169 The first received 18 cycles of docetaxel followed by the development of sclerosis involving 50% of the skin, including the lower trunk and distal arms as well as the lower extremities. 168 Again, a serologic work-up for scleroderma was negative. Complete resolution was evident 6 weeks after the discontinuation of docetaxel.…”

Morfea en placas inducidas por paclitaxel

“…De los casos reportados, todos excepto uno experimentaron algú n grado de mejoría tras la interrupció n del tratamiento con taxanos, con 2 remisiones completas. Otros tratamientos utilizados incluyen corticoides tó picos y sisté micos, PUVA, nifedipino, azatioprina, metotrexato, ciclofosfamida y tratamiento rehabilitador [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] .…”