Nail changes secondary to docetaxel chemotherapy : a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2008 Jan 28:2:24. doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-2-24.

Abstract

Introduction: Docetaxel is a chemotherapy agent used in the management of many neoplastic conditions. Various side effects are known. Nail changes are often under-recognised or attributed to other causes.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 66 year old gentleman who received docetaxel chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. He had nail changes as a complication of the treatment.

Conclusion: Nail toxicity is a recognised side-effect of taxane chemotherapy agents and can often persist for many months after finishing the treatment. We would like to highlight this problem, so it can be considered as a differential diagnosis in the appropriate population.