Docetaxel-induced acute myositis: a case report with review of literature

Abstract

Docetaxel is an anti-microtubule agent and a highly effective treatment of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. There are several adverse effects associated with docetaxel, such as myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, fluid retention, and asthenia. One of the most well-known side-effects of this medication is mild to moderate myalgia. Here, we report a case of a 49-year-old female with stage 3 breast cancers who developed severe acute myositis following docetaxel use. The mechanism of docetaxel-induced myositis remains unclear; however, physicians still need to be aware of the possibility of this complication in patients with cancer and a history of exposure to this medication.

Keywords:

• Docetaxel
• myositis
• taxanes
• adverse effects
• chemotherapy
• musculoskeletal adverse effect

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the patient and his family for accepting this publication, and Dr Kulia Kakarala (radiologist) for his help with MRI interpretation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ contributions

Wongsaengsak S. wrote the paper. Wongsaengsak S., Quirch M., Ball S., and Rehman S took care of the case. Sultan A., Jahan N, Ball S., Elmassry M and Rehman S. collaborated on the paper’s conception, reviewed the paper, and approved the final version of the article to be submitted.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sariya Wongsaengsak

Sariya Wongsaengsak, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Hematology.

Miguel Quirch

Miguel Quirch, MD, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Oncotology.

Somedeb Ball

Somedeb Ball, MD Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Hematology

Anita Sultan

Anita Sultan, MD, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Hematology.

Nusrat Jahan

Nusrat Jahan, MD, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Hematology.

Mohamed Elmassry

Mohamed Elmassry, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Cardiology.

Shabnam Rehman

Shabnam Rehman, MD, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, research interest: Breast cancer.