Recent studies have uncovered a concerning link between the chemotherapy drug Taxotere (docetaxel) and certain side effects related to the eyes and tear ducts.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with this medication, particularly for patients undergoing treatment for various types of breast cancer and lung cancer.
- University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Recognizes canalicular stenosis may be the underlying mechanism for epiphora in patients receiving weekly doses of the chemotherapy drug Taxotere.
- Review of Ophthalmology: Researchers found that weekly administration of Taxotere is far more likely to cause canalicular stenosis than administrating it every three weeks.
- Kawasaki Medical School: Epiphora (excessive tearing) was reported to occur in up to 64% of breast cancer patients receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy.
Healthcare providers should be aware of these side effects and consider alternative treatment options or dosing schedules when appropriate.
Further research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate these side effects and improve patient outcomes while maintaining the effectiveness of cancer treatment with Taxotere.
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center recognize canalicular stenosis may be the underlying mechanism for epiphora in patients receiving weekly doses.
Studies have found up to 50% of patients on this dosing schedule developing epiphora.
This is caused by the narrowing of the canaliculi, which are the small channels that drain tears from the eyes into the nose.
This side effect is more common with weekly administration compared to the standard every-3-weeks docetaxel regimen, with symptoms typically appearing 12-16 weeks after starting treatment.
Early diagnosis of canalicular stenosis allows for timely surgical intervention to insert silicone stents into the nasolacrimal ducts to prevent the canaliculi from closing permanently.
Review of Ophthalmology
A study published in the Review of Ophthalmology found that weekly administration of Taxotere is far more likely to cause canalicular stenosis than administering it every three weeks.
Researchers looked at the evaluation and management of chemotherapy-induced epiphora, punctal and canalicular stenosis, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. They selected abstracts based on relevant keywords and included appropriate articles for review.
The study demonstrated that 5-fluorouracil and docetaxel are the chemotherapeutic drugs best documented to cause epiphora, with the main mechanism being canalicular stenosis. Weekly administration of docetaxel was found to be more likely to cause this side effect compared to a three-week schedule.
Early recognition of punctal and canalicular stenosis or nasolacrimal duct blockages, along with early intervention using topical steroids and canalicular stenting in patients at risk for permanent scarring, is crucial to avoid more invasive procedures.
The researchers emphasize that early recognition and management of epiphora leads to better outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy with Taxotere.
Kawasaki Medical School
Researchers from Kawasaki Medical School reported on a case series of three Japanese non-small cell lung cancer patients who developed epiphora after receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy.
In one case, a patient with lacrimal puncta stenosis showed improvement with probing and irrigation. The other two patients had resolution of symptoms following cessation of docetaxel or administration of artificial tears.
The study highlighted that excessive tearing can interfere with daily life activities and negatively affect the quality of life of patients undergoing treatment with docetaxel.
Ophthalmological examination revealed that epiphora can occur with or without the presence of lacrimal duct obstruction. In cases without obstruction, the excessive tearing is considered a reactive response to ocular dryness.
The researchers suggest that the use of artificial tears may help wash out docetaxel from the ocular surface and prevent the development of lacrimal duct obstruction.
They emphasize the importance for thoracic oncologists to be aware of this adverse event and to conduct timely diagnosis and management to prevent severe lacrimal duct obstruction that may require complicated surgery.