Scleroderma in association with the use of docetaxel (taxotere) for breast cancer

G. Hassett¹, P. Harnett², N. Manolios¹

¹Department of Rheumatology and ²Department of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Westmead Hospital, Australia. 

ABSTRACT
The taxanes, paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxal (Taxotere), are a new class of anti-microtubule agents which have shown cytotoxic activity in a number of solid tumours. Phase I and II trials confirm that docetaxal is highly active in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Reported toxicities of docetaxel include, dose limiting neutropenia, alopecia, skin reactions and fluid retention. Here we report the first case of rapid onset, diffuse scleroderma-like illness, which occurred in a 59-year-old female receiving treatment with docetaxel for locally invasive and advanced metastatic breast cancer.

Key words
Scleroderma, Taxotere, malignancy, drug-induced scleroderma.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Dr. N. Manolios, Department of Rheumatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead N.S.W. 2145. Australia.
E-mail: nickm@westgate.wh.usyd.edu.au

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2001; 19: 197-200
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2001.