A Case of Scleroderma-like Cutaneous Lesions Induced by Docetaxel in a Patient with Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT

Docetaxel, an anti-microtubule agent, has been reported to show cytotoxic effects in solid tumors. Its toxicities also include neutropenia, alopecia, skin reaction, and fluid retention. In this study, we report on a case of a 57-year-old Korean female who presented with rapidly progressive scleroderma-like cutaneous changes in the upper and lower extremities after administration of docetaxel. Results of the following tests were normal or negative full blood count, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function test, thyroid function test, rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-topoisomerase antibody. No structural abnormalities were noted on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, chest computed tomography, and Doppler ultrasonography. A biopsy of skin from the left calf showed dermal sclerosis. There was no other explanation for the lesion, except a scleroderma-like cutaneous change induced by docetaxel in this Korean female undergoing treatment for breast cancer.