Concurrent Ocular and Dermatologic Toxicities Associated With Docetaxel Chemotherapy

Docetaxel is an antineoplastic chemotherapy agent widely used in the treatment of a variety of malignancies. Despite its widespread use, ocular toxicities remain rare and literature is sparse regarding the identification and management of these toxicities, especially when they occur in combination with dermatologic toxicities. Here, we report two cases of combined ocular and dermatologic toxicities caused by the administration of docetaxel. Case 1 describes a 64-year-old man who developed epiphora, eye discharge, eyelid margin sores, and facial rash after cycle 2 of fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) chemotherapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Case 2 describes a 50-year-old woman with breast cancer who developed a widespread erythematous, desquamating rash with ocular lesions and discharge after cycle 2 of docetaxel-containing chemotherapy. Both cases included a previously reported, less serious constellation of symptoms one cycle prior to the onset of the more severe reaction(s) and concurrent presentation of significant dermatologic and ocular adverse events. Rapid identification and intervention under the care of both the oncology team and an ophthalmologist are crucial to minimize morbidity.