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Nail changes secondary to docetaxel (Taxotere)
O Correia1, C Azevedo, E Pinto Ferreira
1Department of Dermatology, Instituto Português de Oncologia, Porto, Portugal.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 7, 1999
Summary
Docetaxel chemotherapy can cause frequent and varied nail toxicities in advanced breast cancer patients. These docetaxel-induced nail changes, including discoloration and loss, lack effective preventive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Docetaxel is a taxoid antineoplastic agent frequently used for advanced breast cancer.
- Nonhematologic adverse reactions, particularly skin and nail toxicities, are common with docetaxel treatment.
Observation:
- Nail alterations associated with docetaxel include hyperpigmentation, Beau's lines, subungual hemorrhage, and onycholysis.
- Other observed nail changes are orange discoloration, acute painful paronychia, and transverse nail plate loss.
- The severity and type of nail toxicity correlate with the number of docetaxel cycles administered.
Findings:
- There are currently no proven preventive measures to avoid the development of docetaxel-induced nail toxicity.
- The clinical presentation of these adverse nail reactions is diverse and requires recognition by healthcare professionals.
Implications:
- Awareness of these nail adverse events is crucial for clinicians managing patients on docetaxel therapy.
- Understanding the spectrum of docetaxel's nail toxicity aids in patient counseling and management of side effects.
- Further research may be needed to develop effective interventions for docetaxel-related nail complications.