Doxil

Dr. I will have my 14th treatment of Doxil next week.  I have developed skin ulcers just above my ankles on both legs and they are very painful and some kind of liquid oozes out of them and they are not healing at all.  I also have other spots/rash but nothing like the skin ulcers.  I went to the Dermatologist and he prescribed some type of bandages and this cream called silver sulfadiazine cream usp.  I have been on this for two months now and the skin ulcers are not getting any better they are getting bigger.  Also my feet and legs are beginning to swell to the point of me not being able to wear my shoes and stand on my feet at all.  Do you think this is happening because of the Doxil?.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Gail,
I do worry that it is from the Doxil. Doxil is a funny drug in terms of the skin toxicity. The rash or skin breakdown usually occurs in areas of friction such as at the bra line. You should see if the area of your rash corresponds to your sock line or shoe line. You may want to change your footware.
You should also ask your oncologist about whether you should take a break from doxil or reduce the dose.
best wishes