Influence of Chemotherapy on the Antioxidant Status of Human Skin.

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia is a frequent dermal side-effect during chemotherapy. Previous investigations showed radical formation subsequent to doxorubicin infusion and preventative and therapeutic effects of an antioxidant-containing ointment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a non-invasive vivomeasuring system (Biozoom®; Biozoom Services GmbH, Kassel, Germany) changes in the antioxidant status (as measured by relative carotenoid concentration) of the skin prior to and after intravenous administration of paclitaxel, docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil were investigated in 42 patients with cancer.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of antioxidant concentration subsequent to intravenous administration was found for all investigated chemotherapeutic agents. The mean concentration of carotenoids decreased from 3.59±1.26 arbitrary units (a.u.) to 3.41±1.28 a.u. (p<0.001) after paclitaxel administration, from 6.33±2.43 to 5.63±2.29 a.u. after docetaxel (p=0.027) and from 4.26±1.81 to 3.98±1.53 a.u. (p=0.042) after 5-fluorouracil infusion.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress might play a significant role in the pathomechanism of palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia associated with paclitaxel, docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil. Therefore, an antioxidant-containing ointment might serve as preventative and therapeutic option.

Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.