Docetaxel extravasation

We report on an accidental extravasation of docetaxel given intravenously a s chemotherapy in a cancer patient. The extravasate was immediately diluted subcutaneously with saline, in addition to which hypothermia (ice-packs) w as implemented and topical dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was applied three times every 45 min. Corticosteroids and diclofenac were also administered. Derma titis developed immediately but had disappeared within 24 h. Notably, derma topathological changes were absent on days 2-4, minimal on day 5, and incre ased thereafter. Dermatitis developed as a late symptom, resulting in brown discoloration and skin hyperplasia. No plastic surgical intervention was n ecessary. We propose that isotonic saline, topical DMSO and local hypotherm ia may have restricted the inflammation and tissue necrosis induced by the extravasation of docetaxel. Repetitive topical application of DMSO beyond t he day of extravasation had no additional benefit.