A case of radiation recall mucositis associated with docetaxel

BACKGROUND: Radiation recall reactions, in particular dermatitis, are well documented in the literature. However, radiation recall mucositis is a rare clinical phenomenon. METHODS: We report a case of a 45-year-old man diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue. He was treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Several months after completing treatment, he had a recurrence develop outside of the previously irradiated field. He was offered radiation therapy concurrent with docetaxel as salvage therapy. RESULTS: During salvage therapy, acute recall mucositis developed corresponding to his previously irradiated fields. His chemotherapy with docetaxel was withheld, and his symptoms rapidly improved. CONCLUSIONS: This case describes radiation recall mucositis associated with docetaxel, a rare but potentially serious clinical situation. Given the potential severity of the reaction and increasing use of docetaxel as second-line treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers, it is important to be aware of this phenomenon.