Extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents

The clinical course of extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents is best described for Adriamycin. The course is often one of painful erythema, gradual extensive ulceration, and finally permanent impairment of an extremity. Other chemotherapeutic agents, singly or in combination, may behave in a similar manner. Our experience with mtomycin and 5-florouracil suggests that they will produce a relatively severe ulceration. The efficacy of local measures of treatment after extravasation is not estabished. As soon as possible, consultation with a vascular surgeon and wide excision of areas of necrosis are advisable.