Nail changes due to docetaxel—a neglected side effect and nuisance for the patient

Abstract

Nail changes occur more frequently than previous studies have shown. Furthermore, our study indicates that the nail changes are affecting a large proportion of the patients, both cosmetically and functionally, which may lead to a decrease in their quality of life. No significant association was found according to the possible relation between nail changes and fungal infection.

The emergence of supportive oncodermatology: The study of dermatologic adverse events to cancer therapies

“…56 Docetaxel leads to nail toxicities in 88% of patients, with up to 43% experiencing difficulties with activities of daily living. 57 Two prospective studies demonstrated the benefit of frozen-glove and sock therapy in reducing docetaxel-induced grade 2 fingernail toxicity (0% in frozen-gloveeprotected hands vs 22% in controls) and grade 1-2 toenail toxicity (0% vs 21% in unprotected feet, P = .002). 58,59…”

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Nail Disorders

“…[56,57] Nail toxicities can be asymptomatic and limited to cosmetic concerns, but may also be quite severe, causing considerable pain and discomfort. [56,58] In a study by Winther et al, [58] 60% of patients with fingernail lesions and 37.2% of patients with toenail involvement induced by docetaxel reported various degrees of cosmetic nuisance because of nail abnormalities. [58] Even more importantly, more than 40% of analyzed individuals experienced various degrees of functional problems (housekeeping, writing, sewing) due to docetaxel-induced nail lesions, up to 37% had problems finding proper footwear, and nearly one-third declared difficulties in walking.…”

“…[56,58] In a study by Winther et al, [58] 60% of patients with fingernail lesions and 37.2% of patients with toenail involvement induced by docetaxel reported various degrees of cosmetic nuisance because of nail abnormalities. [58] Even more importantly, more than 40% of analyzed individuals experienced various degrees of functional problems (housekeeping, writing, sewing) due to docetaxel-induced nail lesions, up to 37% had problems finding proper footwear, and nearly one-third declared difficulties in walking. [58] Brittle nail syndrome, defined as an increased fragility of the nail plates, is another important nail condition that may cause significant cosmetic concerns, thus lowering a patient's selfesteem.…”

“…[58] Even more importantly, more than 40% of analyzed individuals experienced various degrees of functional problems (housekeeping, writing, sewing) due to docetaxel-induced nail lesions, up to 37% had problems finding proper footwear, and nearly one-third declared difficulties in walking. [58] Brittle nail syndrome, defined as an increased fragility of the nail plates, is another important nail condition that may cause significant cosmetic concerns, thus lowering a patient's selfesteem. [59] Although the impact of brittle nails on HR-QOL has not been specifically evaluated so far, the vast majority of patients experience brittle nails as a significant cosmetic problem and a substantial number of patients indicated that these nail abnormalities are painful, impair daily activities, and have a negative influence on occupational abilities.…”

Nail Changes Due To Docetaxel Therapy: Case Report

“…The onycholysis can be diffuse affecting several nails and is usually painful, being the discomfort directly related to the degree of detachment and the number of affected nails. It therefore determines a significant impairment of the quality of life [8,9]. Subungual hematoma, hemorrhage and Subungual abscess are not uncommon, and can be debilitating [8,10].…”