Abstract |
Previous studies have demonstrated a marked reduction of haematological and non-haematological toxicity if weekly doses of docetaxel <40 mg/m2 were used. Reviewing the literature, neutropenic enterocolitis is uncommon but not unknown in patients treated with taxane-based chemotherapy. Although this complication occurs rarely, here we report on two patients, one with metastatic breast cancer and one with non-small-cell lung cancer, treated on a weekly schedule with single-agent docetaxel. Both patients developed excessive and fatal haemorrhragic gastroduodenitis and enterocolitis associated with grade 2 and 3 neutropenia. We would like to stress the importance of symptoms such as abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, diarrhoea and mucositis, with or without neutropenic fever, in patients treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. These symptoms should alert the physician and supportive care management should be started aggressively and immediately.
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Authors | H J Stemmler, S Kenngotte, H Diepolder, V Heinemann |
Journal | Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
(Ann Oncol)
Vol. 13
Issue 6
Pg. 978-81
(Jun 2002)
ISSN: 0923-7534 [Print] England |
PMID | 12123345
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Taxoids
- Docetaxel
- Paclitaxel
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Digestive System
(drug effects)
- Docetaxel
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
(diagnosis, etiology)
- Enterocolitis
(chemically induced)
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Humans
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Lung Neoplasms
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Male
- Multiple Organ Failure
- Neoplasm Staging
- Paclitaxel
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
- Risk Assessment
- Taxoids
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