Retrospective study of the facial cutaneous symptoms caused by taxanes

Backgroud and Objective: We have recently experienced severe facial cutaneous symptoms after taxane-containg chemotherapy. In some cases, that almost leaded to treatment discontinuation. Taxanes is one of the key drugs to treat gynecologic cancers, thus it is necessary to prevent those facial cutaneous symptoms. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 218 patients with gynecologic cancer who had been treated at outpatient clinic between 2010 and 2015. Results: Eighteen patients (7.3%) complained facial cutaneous symptoms in 44 patients(17.9%) who had any cutaneous symptoms which might have been induced by taxane – containing chemotherapy .The chemotherapeutic regimens used in these patients were as follows: paclitaxel+calboplatine (TC), weekly paclitacel +calboplatine (ddTC) and docetaxel +calboplatine (DC). In which patients, 3 patients(6.3%), 10 patients (21.3%) and 5 patients (4.2%) who complained facial symptoms, respectively. All facial symptoms had been seen after 2012, they were likely to occur around Jan.2013.The facial symptoms were tend to occur from winter to spring. Conclusion: In our study, facial symptoms were tend to occur at winter or spring, especially around Jan. 2013. Possible causes include platinum agents, dexamethasone, H2 blockers and environmental factors, such as dry low humidity, yellow sand, pollen, and PM 2.5. Usage of generic paclitaxel, which had begun from Feb. 2011, might also contribute to the symptom. Because this is a small retrospective study, further study is warranted.