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Topical dimethylsulfoxide may prevent tissue damage from anthracycline extravasation
H J Lawrence1, D Walsh, K A Zapotowski
1Department of Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine.
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) combined with ice and glucocorticoids effectively treats anthracycline extravasation. This regimen prevented tissue damage and resolved pain and redness in all patients, suggesting DMSO
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anthracycline extravasation management is not standardized.
- Conventional treatments like corticosteroids, sodium bicarbonate, and ice lack consistent efficacy.
- Effective interventions are crucial to prevent severe tissue damage.
Observation:
- A novel treatment regimen was applied to four adult patients with anthracycline extravasation.
- The regimen included topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 55%-99%, ice, and local glucocorticoid injections.
- Treatment was administered every 2-4 hours for at least 3 days post-extravasation.
Findings:
- All four patients experienced rapid resolution of pain and erythema within 2 days.
- No instances of tissue necrosis or skin ulceration were observed in any patient.
- Topical DMSO demonstrated safety and cost-effectiveness in mitigating anthracycline-induced tissue injury.
Implications:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) shows promise as a safe and inexpensive agent for managing anthracycline extravasation.
- This approach may reduce the risk of severe local tissue damage following chemotherapy extravasation.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal DMSO dosage, scheduling, and its efficacy for other vesicant extravasations.