Purpose: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is widely used in relapsing ovarian carcinoma. Its original formulation is metabolized by the monocyte-macrophage system. One of its main toxicities is the palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) syndrome. To date, no predictive factors of PPE have been identified.
Methods: Data of patients (pts) treated with PLD between 2005 and 2014 were retrospectively collected. A case-control study was performed, comparing main baseline clinical and biological characteristics of pts experiencing PPE and those who did not, after at least three cycles of PLD. A pilot analysis of blood monocyte subpopulations (classical, intermediate and non-classical) was performed by FACS in selected pts.
Results: Among 88 pts treated with PLD, 28 experienced PPE of any grade (31, 95 % CI 21-41). The first occurrence of PPE was at first cycle in only 11 % of pts, peaked at cycle 2 (32 %) and represented 57 % of cases after cycle 3. Baseline characteristics of pts with PPE were compared to 27 control pts who received at least 3 cycles. Older pts represented 61 % of pts with PPE and 15 % of pts without PPE (p = 0.04 by Chi-square test). Monocyte count and inflammatory parameters were not associated with PPE. However, the analysis of monocyte subpopulations revealed a large inter-patient variability.
Conclusion: Contrary to most acute toxicities, PPE occurred more frequently after several cycles, suggesting a PLD body accumulation through repeated cycles. PPE was more frequent in pts older than 70 years. Monocyte subpopulations may have different roles on PLD metabolism and warrant further studies.
Keywords: Elderly; Monocytes; Ovarian neoplasm; Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia; Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.