Permanent scalp alopecia related to breast cancer chemotherapy by sequential fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (FEC) and docetaxel: a prospective study of 20 patients

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinical and histological features of permanent alopecia following a sequential fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (FEC) and docetaxel regimen for adjuvant breast cancer treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Women treated for breast cancer by a sequential adjuvant FEC and docetaxel regimen who developed permanent alopecia diagnosed between 2007 and 2011 were identified from the Department of Dermatology (Saint-Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France) and the Department of Medical Oncology (CRLC Val d'Aurelle, Montpellier, France). Data were collected regarding demographics, type of cancer, delay of onset after chemotherapy, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), clinical description of the lesions, scalp biopsies, laboratory explorations investigating steroid hormonal, iron, zinc and thyroid status, therapy and outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty white Caucasian females were included. Hair loss presented with a moderate or intense androgenetic-like pattern of scalp alopecia. Biopsy specimen examinations were normal or displayed the androgenetic-like pattern. Laboratory explorations ruled out iron or zinc deficiency and thyroid disorders and confirmed hormonal menopause without hyperandrogenism. The overall mean DLQI score reflected the distressing psychological consequences in the patients' lives. No spontaneous regrowth of the scalp hair was noted. Treatment including vitamins, minoxidil, psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy and spironolactone proved to be ineffective.

CONCLUSION

Permanent and severe alopecia is a newly reported complication of the FEC 100-docetaxel breast cancer regimen.

Treatment of Gorlin syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome) with methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in seven patients, including two children: interest of tumescent anesthesia for pain control in children

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) in the treatment of multiple basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in adults and children with Gorlin syndrome (GS).

DESIGN

Report of cases.

SETTING

University of Montpellier, Department of Dermatology.

PATIENTS

Seven Gorlin patients (41 superficial or nodular carcinomas), including two children.

INTERVENTIONS

Prior superficial curettage for superficial BBCs or debulking for nodular BCCs was systematically performed. Methylaminolevulinic acid was applied topically to lesions 3 h before illumination with 635 nm red light for 10 min (37 J/cm(2)). To prevent treatment discomfort, analgesics and/or cooling by sprayed water were most often provided, and occasionally 1% lidocaine local anesthesia. A ropivacaine-lidocaine tumescent anesthesia was performed on the youngest patient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The initial response rate; tolerance, particularly in children; cosmetic outcome.

RESULTS

Overall clearance in patients was 60% after one session of MAL-PDT and 78% after three sessions. Resolution of the lesions was accompanied by an excellent cosmetic outcome in all patients. Treatments were well tolerated in adults with moderate pain sensation during illumination. In a child, tumescent anesthesia assured excellent tolerance in all treatment stages.

CONCLUSION

We add our experience to previous articles that consider PDT as an interesting option in the treatment of GS. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of MAL-PDT in GS children using tumescent anesthesia. Specific guidelines for adult and pediatric patients remain to be established.