Cutaneous fixed drug eruption to paclitaxel; a case report

The aim of this report was to investigate an adverse effect of paclitaxel. Cutaneous fixed drug eruption against paclitaxel - which is rarely seen - i s explained. A 70-year-old caucasian woman experienced three operations for ovarian carcinoma and finally a paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen was initiated as adjuvant chemotherapy. Following the administration of the fir st dose of paclitaxel, the patient had a cutaneous reaction that was clinic ally consistent with "fixed drug eruption". Lesions regressed with a topica l steroid dressing. Histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed c linical diagnosis. It is interesting that such a reaction could occur despi te the use of premedication with systemic corticosteroid antihistaminic pro phylaxis yet heal rapidly with topical corticosteroid therapy. Thus we reco mmend careful observation for cutaneous side-effects in patients who receiv e paclitaxel or other taxanes. even with premedication prophylaxis.