Frequency and characteristics of docetaxel-induced radiation recall phenomenon

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of a docetaxel-induced radiation recall phenomenon.

Past histories of radiotherapy and radiation recall phenomenon (RRP) were analyzed in 461 patients who were administered docetaxel at our hospital between September 2002 and November 2005.

Of the 461 patients, 171 underwent radiotherapy before starting docetaxel. RRP was noted in 3 patients (1.8%). The 3 cases show that RRP tends to develop in patients treated with lower-energy photon beams of < or =6 MV and in patients with marked acute phase reactions during radiotherapy.

The incidence of RRP induced by docetaxel was 1.8%, making it a comparatively rare condition. However, docetaxel is increasingly being used for patients with head and neck tumors, and caution regarding development of RRP is warranted after use of docetaxel after high-dose radiotherapy with photon beams of < or =6 MV.