DOCETAXEL-INDUCED SEVERE NAIL TOXICITY IN A BREAST CANCER PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

Background: Docetaxel, a frequently used taxane for breast and other solid tumor treatments, has been associated with adverse dermatological events including nail toxicity. While not at all a life-threatening condition, nail abnormality impacts quality of life through pain and infection, and sometimes treatment is discontinued because of it. Case Presentation: A middle-aged female with breast carcinoma was on docetaxel-based chemotherapy and developed painful discoloration of nails, onycholysis, and secondary bacterial infection eventually after multiple cycles. The troublesome pain, swelling, and discharge were there from the affected nails' onset. Management included empiric intravenous antibiotics, topical antiseptics, analgesics, and supportive wound care. Subsequent to this, the chemotherapy regimen was revised after discussing with the oncology team. She improved gradually during a hospital stay of five days and finally resolved completely with treatment on discharge and regularly after follow-up. Conclusion: This case emphasized the need for early recognition and timely intervention of docetaxel-induced nail toxicity. Multidisciplinary intervention, including counseling by a clinical pharmacist, optimized supportive care, and adjustment of regimens, will accrue benefits to the patient in continuing with cancer treatment.