What is the recommended management for extravasation of taxanes such as docetaxel and paclitaxel?

• A. Ice Pack Four Times Daily for First 24 Hours
• B. Hyaluronidase Injection
• C. Totect Infusion
• D. Warm Compress

Answer: (A)

When taxanes leak into surrounding tissue, the aim is to limit how far the drug spreads and how much tissue is damaged. Cold therapy achieves this by causing local vasoconstriction, which slows diffusion of the drug into the tissues and helps reduce pain and swelling. Therefore, applying cold packs to the affected area four times daily for the first 24 hours is the recommended initial management. There is no universally proven antidote for taxane extravasation, unlike some other drugs, and warm compresses can worsen tissue injury by increasing diffusion. If extravasation is suspected, stop the infusion, attempt to aspirate any residual drug from the cannula, and follow institutional protocol for further care.