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Published on: December 19, 2019
Taxane-induced scleroderma. Report of two cases
Jade Cury-Martins1, Laura Giesen2, Sergio González3
1Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Taxanes are a class of chemotherapeutic agents with common associated dermatologic adverse events, such as skin hyperpigmentation, hand-foot skin syndrome, paronychia and onycholysis. Taxane-induced scleroderma is rare. Few cases with skin findings resembling systemic sclerosis, have been reported after the administration of these agents. We report two cases with stage IV breast cancer, aged 66 and 71 years, who developed sclerodermic skin lesions in their extremities after starting treatment with placlitaxel and nabplaclitaxel respectively.
Insights
Taxane chemotherapy can cause rare skin conditions like scleroderma. This study reports two breast cancer patients who developed sclerodermic lesions after paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Taxanes are widely used chemotherapy drugs for various cancers.
- Common side effects include skin hyperpigmentation and hand-foot syndrome.
- Taxane-induced scleroderma is an uncommon but reported adverse event.
Observation:
- Two patients with stage IV breast cancer (aged 66 and 71) were treated with paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel.
- Both patients developed sclerodermic skin lesions on their extremities.
- These lesions resembled findings seen in systemic sclerosis.
Findings:
- The cases highlight a rare dermatologic adverse event associated with taxane chemotherapy.
- Sclerodermic changes in the extremities were observed following treatment with paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel.
- This suggests a potential link between these specific taxanes and the development of scleroderma-like skin reactions.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of taxane-induced scleroderma.
- Early recognition and management of these skin lesions may be important for patient care.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism and incidence of this rare side effect.
