Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Doxorubicin Extravasation: A Promising Future Treatment?: A Case Report

• Published in: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology Vol. 47; no. 5; p. e177
• Main Authors: Belcadi, Khadija, Isfaoun, Zineb, El Ansari, Naoual, Lakhrissi, Meryem, Fejjal, Naoufal, El Kababri, Maria, El Khorassani, Mohamed, Hessissen, Laila, Kili, Amina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2025
• Subjects: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - adverse effects; Doxorubicin - administration & dosage; Doxorubicin - adverse effects; Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials - therapy; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation - methods; Infant; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar - drug therapy; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar - pathology; extravasation; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; dexrazoxane; doxorubicin
• ISSN: 1536-3678
• DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000003038

Doxorubicin extravasation is a serious complication that can lead to severe local necrosis, aesthetic damage, and injury to underlying nerves, tendons, and muscles. Its management has been the subject of numerous studies, but the optimal treatment remains controversial. The limited access to dexrazoxane makes the management even more challenging. We report the case of a 17-month-old infant treated for an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft tissues in the gluteal region, who experienced doxorubicin extravasation in the forearm. This incident was successfully managed with initial fasciotomy followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We highlight the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a complementary treatment in cases of doxorubicin extravasation, supported by current data from the literature.