Case Report

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Paclitaxel Use in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Authors: Constantin A. Dasanu, MD, PhD, Doru T. Alexandrescu, MD

Abstract

Over the last years, scleroderma-like skin changes have been reported with two of the taxanes, docetaxel and paclitaxel, but specific antibodies were not found in any of those cases. Recently, paclitaxel was linked to cutaneous lupus erythematosus in two cancer patients, showing high titers of serum anti-Ro (SS-A) antibody. To our knowledge, this is the first known case of a patient with serologically confirmed systemic lupus erythematosus secondary to paclitaxel use.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1.Kupfer I, Balguerie X, Courville P, et al. Scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions induced by paclitaxel: a case study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:279–281.
 
2.Eisenbeilss C, Weizel J, Wolff H. [Scleroderma-like skin changes following administration of paclitaxel for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2003;1:468–470.
 
3.Battafarano DF, Zimmerman GC, Older SA, et al. Docetaxel (Taxotere) associated scleroderma-like changes of the lower extremities. A report of three cases. Cancer 1995;76:110–115.
 
4.Adachi A, Horikawa T. Paclitaxel-induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus in patients with serum anti-SSA/Ro antibody. J Dermatol 2007;34:473–476.
 
5.Wallace DJ, Hahn BH (eds): Dubois’ Lupus Erythematosus. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002, ed 6.
 
6.Lortholary A, Cary-Ten Have Dallinga M, El Kouri C, et al. [Paclitaxel-induced lupus]. Presse Med 2007;36(9 pt 1):1207–1208.
 
7.Tan EM, Feltkamp TE, Smolen JS, et al. Range of antinuclear antibodies in “healthy” individuals. Arthritis Rheum 1997;40:1601–1611.