Skin toxicity associated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (40 mg/m2) in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. R. J. Kim, G. Peterson, B. Kulp, K. M. Zanotti, M. Markman; The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Abstract: Background: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the management of myriad gynecologic cancers. Although it is proposed to have less side effects than doxorubicin, PLD is associated with significant skin reactions. The incidence of skin toxicity of PLD administered at a lower dose (40 mg/m2) is not well-characterized. Methods: Medical charts of all patients who initiated PLD at a starting dose of 40 mg/m2 from 1997-2003 for the treatment of gynecologic cancers were retrospectively reviewed. PLD was infused over 1-2 hours and administered every 4-6 weeks. No patient had previously received doxorubicin. All patients were clinically assessed for adverse reactions including skin toxicity. Results: 90 patients (mean age 62 yrs, range 45-82 yrs) were included in this analysis. There were 55 ovarian, 16 endometrial, 2 fallopian, and 17 primary peritoneal cancers. The median cumulative dose of PLD was 100 mg/m2 (range 40-855 mg/m2) with a median of 3 cycles (range 1-25). 33/90 (37%) developed a skin reaction during therapy. The overall incidence of grade 1, 2, and 3 skin toxicity was 23 (26%), 9 (10%), and 1 (1%), respectively. Of the 23 cases of grade 1 toxicity, 16 (70%) occurred within 1-3 cycles. All 9 cases of grade 2 toxicity occurred within 1-3 cycles. The only case of grade 3 toxicity occurred after the first cycle. 28/30 (93%) patients who continued treatment did not experience further episodes of skin toxicity with subsequent cycles after a dose reduction (5-20 mg/m2). PLD was stopped in only 2/90 (2%) cases due to a skin reaction. Conclusions: Severe skin toxicity (¡İgrade 2) associated with PLD occurs infrequently when initial doses of 40 mg/m2 are administered. When skin reactions appear, they usually occur early in the course of treatment, respond to dose reduction, and do not appear to limit the duration of treatment. Abstract No: 5080 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.