Clinical features of lower limb edema in patients with breast cancer who underwent docetaxel chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study

Background<BR>　In patients with breast cancer, the management of edema focuses on lymphedema that occur after lymph node dissection of the upper limbs, which also have care guidelines. However, docetaxel-related edema affects not only the upper limbs but also the lower limbs, and current management is inadequate. We aimed to clarify the detailed characteristics of lower limb edema due to docetaxel in patients with breast cancer. <BR>Methods<BR>　Participants were patients with breast cancer who underwent chemotherapy with docetaxel within 5 years. Patients with cardiac and hepatic dysfunction and deep vein thrombosis were excluded. The incidence, time, duration, site, management, education, and risk factors were investigated using questionnaires and medical records.<BR>Results<BR>　Lower limb edema was observed in 13/43 participants（30.2%）. Lower limb edema most frequently appeared after the fourth administration of docetaxel（46.2%）. The duration ranged from a few days to 5 months. The site of edema was usually the anterior part of the lower legs and the dorsal surface of the feet in 12（92.3%）participants. Regarding management, three participants underwent lymphatic drainage. Only five participants had been educated about the onset of edema. Stage IV breast cancer was a risk factor associated with the onset of lower limb edema. <BR>Conclusion<BR>　Stage IV breast cancer was found to be associated with lower limb edema in patients treated with docetaxel. Especially for Stage IV patients, management should be started once docetaxel administration is initiated. The site of management is recommended to be from the lower leg to the dorsum, and should last for > 1 month.