Coping with toxicities of docetaxel (Taxotere)

Abstract

Background: In phase II studies of the EORTC-ECTG, acute hypersensitivity reaction, edema and skin toxicity were important side effects of docetaxel (TaxotereTM).

Patients and methods: Fifty patients with solid tumors were treated with docetaxel at the University Hospital of Antwerp. Of these, 28% developed an acute hypersensitivity reaction and 20% edema. Twelve and three hours before the next docetaxel administrations those with the acute hypersensitivity reaction were subsequently pretreated orally with 32 mg of methylprednisolone, 10 mg of cetirizine and 1 mg of ketotifen.

Conclusions: The acute hypersensitivity reaction could be completely blocked in all but in 1 of 14 patients, and this pretreatment schedule had an important prophylactic effect on edema formation. Skin toxicity was successfully treated with an ointment of glycerin and chlorhexidine.