Efficient prevention strategy against the development of a palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia during chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a highly efficient chemotherapeutic; however, it induces dermal side effects such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) in up to 80% of cases, probably by being emitted with the sweat onto the skin surface.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine whether a topically applied ointment containing antioxidants with a high radical protection factor is able to prevent the formation of PPE.

Methods: Twenty patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma and treated with PLD were observed.

Results: 60% of the patients tolerated the regular application of the cream and developed no PPE. The remaining 40% interrupted the application. Six of them developed PPE and resumed ointment application thereafter. In these cases the PPE disappeared or was strongly reduced.

Conclusion: The results of the observation clearly demonstrate that topical application of the ointment is an efficient strategy against the development of PPE during chemotherapy with PLD.