Coping with toxicities of docetaxel (Taxotere).

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.