[Examination about the influence for daily life that nail and skin disorders induced by docetaxel in patients with breast cancer]

Abstract

Docetaxel is one of the most important chemotherapeutic agents for the breast cancer patients. However, it has also experienced as toxicities causing nail diformation and skin trouble, and is considered as adverse elements other than edema and neurotoxicity. It is expected to have tremendous influence on women's daily life-decrease in quality of life. Nail and skin toxicity might occur among patients treated with docetaxel more frequently than evidence in the clinical medical records. Therefore, we have conducted a questionnaire investigation, targeting the patients who had been treated with docetaxel. Between March, 2004 and February, 2006, 52 patients, who had been prescribed docetaxel at the time of the surgery, or for their relapse, became subject to the evaluation. Skin impediments have found most during the second and the third courses; the contents include discomfort towards their beauty and housework. Influence to their daily life that the patients feel do not necessarily match the contents that doctors have recognized. In conclusion, this investigation evidenced that the troubles on quality of life such as nail and skin troubles, should be paid more attention, as well as major side effects such as edema, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity.