Onycholysis and subungual haemorrhages secondary to systemic chemotherapy (paclitaxel)

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2003 Jul;17(4):459-60. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.00774.x.

Abstract

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapic agent of the taxane family used in treatment of malignant solid tumory. We report here the case of a 40-year old woman referred to our clinic for nail changes involving all 20 digits and developed after 5 months of paclitaxel intake, due to a breast carcinoma. Clinical examination revealed red-brown discoloration of the nails associated with hematomas and onycholysis. The nail changes were very painful and the patient complained of discharge of bad-smelling yellow brown opaque fluid from underneath the nail plate. Hemorrhagic onycholysis and subungual abscesses are a possible side effect of taxane treatment that should be early recognized to prevent serious complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Hemorrhage / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Nail Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nail Diseases / physiopathology
  • Nails / drug effects
  • Paclitaxel / adverse effects*
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Paclitaxel