Chemotherapy-induced scleroderma: a pleiomorphic syndrome

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005 Mar;30(2):141-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2004.01668.x.

Abstract

A scleroderma-like disease has recently been described in association with taxanes. We present the first case of diffuse scleroderma occurring in a woman treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for breast cancer. The clinical pattern of skin involvement and histological alterations were identical to those found in the classical form of scleroderma. Skin involvement progressed to affect 80% of total body area, and subsequently remained unchanged despite progression of the underlying cancer, making a paraneoplastic aetiology of the scleroderma unlikely. Specific chemotherapeutic agents might be directly responsible for the clinical manifestations and the parameters of progression. Analysis of all similar case reports defines the particular features and clinical course of this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / chemically induced*
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / pathology

Substances

  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide