The venotonic drug hydroxyethylrutosiden does not prevent or reduce docetaxel-induced fluid retention: results of a comparative study

Purpose: Fluid retention, which includes peripheral edema, ascites, pleural or pericardial effusion, or a combination of these that is sometimes associated with significant weight gain, is one of the most troublesome cumulative side effects of docetaxel. A suggestive observation from the data base available at the manufacturer (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer) was that patients who received venotonic drugs appeared to tolerate more courses of docetaxel. This prompted a comparative study to investigate whether the venotonic drug hydroxyethylrutosiden could reduce or delay docetaxel-related fluid retention. Methods: A total of 85 patients with metastatic breast cancer who were treated with docetaxel at a dose of 100 mg/m² with corticoid comedication were allocated to receive either 300 mg hydroxyethylrutosiden given orally four times daily (group A) or no hydroxyethylrutosiden (group B). The end point for analysis was the development of fluid retention of ≥grade 2. Results: Fluid retention of ≥grade 2 was reported in 14 of 42 patients (33%) in group A and in 15 of 43 patients (35%) in group B and occurred after a median of 4 cycles of docetaxel in both groups. Weight gain was similar in groups A and B. Conclusion: We conclude that hydroxyethylrutosiden does not reduce or delay the incidence and severity of docetaxel-related fluid retention. Received: 19 March 1998 / Accepted: 6 July 1998