taxotere leakage under skin, ulceration?

[pamela234]

Hi,
On Jan 2 there was an infusion of taxotere into my tissues from the needle site.  Since then it has been very painful and the pain feels very deep, almost like it is in my bones. The area around the injection site is red and slightly swollen (area the size of a playing card) and the fingertips of that hand are pretty numb.  On Jan 10, my oncologist prescribed  an antibiotic, dicloxacillin, and diagnosed it as an infection.  However to me it feels more like ulceration from a subcutaneous chemical burn from the taxotere.  The antibiotic is having no healing effect, although it may  be preventing infection.
Any advice on what it is or what kind of treatment might help.  Thanks in advance.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  I was able to look up several case reports on docetaxel extravasation (leakage into the surrounding tissue during IV infusion).  It seems that this drug can cause irritation, redness, swelling and numbness around the area of extravasation, but will not usually lead to ulceration of the affected skin.  These case reports recommend various treatments, ranging from an initial application of cold compress followed by warm soaks on the following days.  Anti-histamines and hydrocortisone based ointments were also noted to be helpful in alleviating symptoms.  The injury usually resolves after a few weeks, and only leaves a brownish discoloration on the area of leakage.

[pamela234]

Thank you very much for your reply.  I was afraid I would have permanent damage, so your information was very welcome.  I will appy ointment as suggested in the case report and I am already using ice.  Many thanks.
pamela234

[BartJ]

I read your post with great interest, and was wondering how your taxotere infusion injury has healed. I had a similar injury during chemotherapy, and have experienced very similar symptoms. It has been a month since the infusion, and the pain is still very strong. My oncologist doesn't seem to know what to do.
Thanks