Extravasation of paclitaxel into breast tissue from central catheter port

Support Care Cancer. 2002 Oct;10(7):563-5. doi: 10.1007/s00520-002-0372-1. Epub 2002 Jul 11.

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman with advanced-stage ovarian cancer experienced extravasation of paclitaxel into the breast tissue as a result of inappropriate needle insertion and/or dislodgement; it came from a central catheter port (CCP) that was found to be intact under radiological examination with contrast material. The breast became tender and oedematous with erythema, and local warming was observed within a few hours. The patient improved in the next few days during nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and close observation, and the breast healed with thickened and darkened skin and central scarring in the 6th month of follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, extravasation into breast tissue is rare in the literature. Extravasation of vesicant drugs from CCP can cause tissue necrosis; it is therefore essential that ports be carefully assessed and used by experienced staff to lessen the likelihood of such an unpleasant complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / adverse effects*
  • Breast / drug effects*
  • Breast / pathology
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Paclitaxel