Extravasation of paclitaxel (TAXOL (R)) - Clinical course

Background: Clinical information on paclitaxel extravasation is scarce. A c linical course following paclitaxel extravasation is reported with an overv iew of the literature. Case Report: A 74-year-old male patient with small-c ell lung cancer mistakenly received approximately 100 mi of a subcutaneous infusion containing approximately 60 mg of paclitaxel. A severe cutaneous r eaction was seen within 30 min, followed by a systemic reaction with dizzin ess on day 2, fever and hypotension on day 5, and leuko- and thrombocytopen ia on day 10. Sclerosis, hyperpigmentation, and neuropathic pain developed in the forearm and slowly subsided within 6-8 months. Conclusion: Paclitaxe l extravasation may cause severe cutaneous and rarely even systemic reversi ble reactions. Paclitaxel must be considered a vesicant.