Abstract
Accidental extravasation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy is a complication that has been feared since the introduction of the anthracyclines more than 40 years ago. Tissue infiltration with vesicant drugs may lead to progressive necrosis and destruction of muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, and may be associated with severe functional and cosmetic changes. During the last four decades, much effort has been made to prevent such accidents from happening. In addition, different surgical approaches and several non-pharmacolgical and pharmacological treatments have been used to counteract the devastating effects of the extravasation. Most treatment modalities have been empirically based, and only a few have undergone thorough evaluation. Recently, dexrazoxane was shown to be an effective and non-toxic acute treatment for anthracycline extravasation. It has since become a widely recommended treatment, and Totect® is currently the only approved drug for this indication.
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