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Epistaxis during treatment with paclitaxel
Nirit Yarom1, Arnoldo Cyjon, Svetlana Kovel
1Oncology Department, Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin 70300, Israel. nirit.yarom@gmail.com
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
|February 5, 2009
Summary
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, are a common and mild side effect of weekly paclitaxel treatment. This study found no major clinical consequences, but advises caution when combined with other bleeding-risk drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapy agent.
- Potential side effects of paclitaxel are well-documented, but epistaxis has not been previously reported as a common occurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and severity of epistaxis in patients undergoing paclitaxel therapy.
- To identify any correlations between paclitaxel dosing schedules and the occurrence of epistaxis.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to patients receiving paclitaxel to collect data on general health, medications, and epistaxis incidents.
- Clinical information was retrospectively gathered from patient charts.
- Forty-seven patients were included in the study.
Main Results:
- Epistaxis was reported by 51% of patients during paclitaxel therapy.
- Patients receiving weekly paclitaxel had a significantly higher incidence of epistaxis (59%) compared to those treated every 3 weeks (12.5%, P = 0.045).
- All epistaxis episodes were mild, occurred with normal platelet counts, and did not necessitate treatment modifications or transfusions.
Conclusions:
- Epistaxis is a common, mild, and previously underreported side effect of weekly paclitaxel administration.
- While generally not clinically significant, awareness is crucial when paclitaxel is co-administered with other medications that increase bleeding risk, such as bevacizumab.
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