Paclitaxel-induced cutaneous change mimicking malignancy in a previous cutaneous eruption

Paclitaxel Induces Epidermal Molecular Changes and Produces Subclinical Alterations in the Skin of Gynecological Cancer Patients

“…This effect of PTX has not been described previously. However, there is a case report describing acanthotic epidermis in a PTX-induced cutaneous eruption [ 16 ], which indicates the potential of PTX to induce changes in the structure of the skin.…”

“…These results indicate that PTX can alter the skin structure, and impair its barrier function, inducing cutaneous changes that do not become symptomatic. Previous studies have described PTX-induced epithelial damage in zebrafish models [ 19 , 20 ] and some case reports show histologic changes caused by PTX on the skin [ 16 , 17 ]. However, to our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the subclinical alterations caused by PTX and it might explain the prediction of later severe cutaneous adverse events.…”

“…There is no information regarding the impact of taxanes on the skin in patients without cutaneous symptoms. However, a direct cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy on basal keratinocytes has been proposed; histology from skin biopsies of PTX treated patients have shown alterations in keratinocytes when some cutaneous events occur [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Further, studies in vitro have described that paclitaxel induces a cytotoxic response in transformed HaCat keratinocytes [ 18 ] and produces epithelial damage in zebrafish models [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Paclitaxel-Induced Epidermal Alterations: An In Vitro Preclinical Assessment in Primary Keratinocytes and in a 3D Epidermis Model

“…Although the mechanisms of paclitaxel-induced skin alterations have not been described, a few reports examine its effects on keratinocytes: in proliferating human hair follicle matrix keratinocytes, paclitaxel induces extensive mitotic defects and apoptosis [20,21] and also induces an apoptotic response in transformed HaCat keratinocytes paclitaxel [22]. Further, cutaneous biopsies from skin lesions of patients under paclitaxel treatment show atypical keratinocytes and abundant apoptotic bodies throughout the epidermis layers [23,24]. Other studies in zebrafish larvae showed that paclitaxel promotes epithelial damage and induces keratinocyte-specific gene upregulation [25].…”