CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF TAXOL(R) THERAPY

Taxol(R) is a novel chemotherapeutic agent that has produced substanti al responses in early clinical studies [1]. Taxol has excellent activi ty in a number of malignancies based on recently completed clinical tr ials, including a 30% response rate in platinum-refractory ovarian can cer patients [2-5]. We are currently conducting trials of dose-intense taxol with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) support in r elapsed or refractory ovarian cancer patients. Such dose intensificati on produces a major response rate in 50% of patients with this disease [6]. Taxol was supplied in 5 mi ampules (6 mg/ml) in polyethoxylated castor oil (Cremophor EL) 50% and dehydrated alcohol and the dose was diluted in either 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose at concentration s of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/ml. We have noted 3 patients with previously unrepo rted cutaneous manifestations which we believe are taxol related and a lso report our overall complication rate with the administration of ta xol by peripheral intravenous lines.