Cutaneous fixed drug eruption to paclitaxel; a case report

• Published in: European journal of gynaecological oncology Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 190
• Main Authors: Baykal, C, Erkek, E, Tutar, E, Yüce, K, Ayhan, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 2000
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - drug therapy; Adenocarcinoma - surgery; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - adverse effects; Biopsy, Needle; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Drug Eruptions - drug therapy; Drug Eruptions - etiology; Drug Eruptions - pathology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms - drug therapy; Ovarian Neoplasms - surgery; Paclitaxel - administration & dosage; Paclitaxel - adverse effects; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0392-2936

The aim of this report was to investigate an adverse effect of paclitaxel. Cutaneous fixed drug eruption against paclitaxel--which is rarely seen--is explained. A 70-year-old caucasian woman experienced three operations for ovarian carcinoma and finally a paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen was initiated as adjuvant chemotherapy. Following the administration of the first dose of paclitaxel, the patient had a cutaneous reaction that was clinically consistent with "fixed drug eruption". Lesions regressed with a topical steroid dressing. Histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed clinical diagnosis. It is interesting that such a reaction could occur despite the use of premedication with systemic corticosteroid antihistaminic prophylaxis yet heal rapidly with topical corticosteroid therapy. Thus we recommend careful observation for cutaneous side-effects in patients who receive paclitaxel or other taxanes, even with premedication prophylaxis.