Dexrazoxane Treatment for Intrathoracic Anthracycline Extravasation

treatment of an intrathoracic epirubicin extravasation [3]. Approximately 140 mg of epirubicin extravasated into the pleural space when the tip of an implanted port catheter became misplaced. A pleural drain was inserted and the pleural cavity was immediately flushed with 1000 ml normal saline on 2 consecutive days. Dexrazoxane was also infused intravenously for the first three consecutive days. Other than transient elevation of liver enzymes, no side effects were observed. A computed tomography scan on day 13 revealed a thoracic empyema and surgical decortication of the lung was performed. A chest X-ray done 3 months post-operatively showed minor abnormalities and the patient resumed chemotherapy. The authors concluded that dexrazoxane treatment should be considered for intrathoracic anthracycline extravasations [3]. Also in another report, dexrazoxane was successfully used to treat anthracycline extravasations [4]. There is compelling data about the safety and effectiveness of dexrazoxane in systemically treating anthracycline extravasations. The Savene emergency treatment kit is now available for clinical use and should be available in any institution where anthracycline vesicants are administered.