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BMC Ophthalmology

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report

Toxic optic neuropathy in the setting of docetaxel chemotherapy: a case report

Authors: Thomas P Moloney, Wen Xu, Kristopher Rallah-Baker, Niara Oliveira, Natasha Woodward, Jonathon J Farrah

Published in: BMC Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

To describe the first reported case of toxic optic neuropathy secondary to docetaxel (Taxotere®) chemotherapy.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old female presented with predominantly unilateral visual loss, but extensive bilateral visual field defects and bilateral optic nerve head swelling 2 weeks after first dose of docetaxel (Taxotere®) and trastuzumab (Herceptin®) chemotherapy for a left sided node-positive, HER2 positive breast cancer. Extensive investigation ruled out other causes of optic neuropathy. She was treated with high dose corticosteroids intravenously for 1 week then a tapering oral dose over 8 weeks. Visual field defects gradually resolved and visual acuity improved. Docetaxel chemotherapy was discontinued but targeted therapy with trastuzumab continued without further complication.

Conclusion

Docetaxel can cause a toxic optic neuropathy possibly due to an ischemic or neurotoxic mechanism at the optic nerve head. With cessation of docetaxel therapy and treatment with systemic corticosteroids, visual recovery can occur without significant residual visual deficit.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2415/14/18/prepub

Title: Toxic optic neuropathy in the setting of docetaxel chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Thomas P Moloney
Wen Xu
Kristopher Rallah-Baker
Niara Oliveira
Natasha Woodward
Jonathon J Farrah
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2415
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2415-14-18

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Toxic optic neuropathy in the setting of docetaxel chemotherapy: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

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