Epiphora in lung cancer patients receiving docetaxel: a case series

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel is a key antineoplastic drug for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Ocular adverse events of docetaxel include epiphora (excess tearing) and conjunctivitis. Epiphora has been reported to be associated with canalicular and nasolacrimal duct stenosis, but it is not necessarily caused by lacrimal duct obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered three Japanese non-small cell lung cancer patients who developed epiphora after the administration of docetaxel-based chemotherapy. One patient with lacrimal puncta stenosis showed improvement with probing and irrigation. The other two patients resolved following cessation of docetaxel or administration of artificial tears. CONCLUSION: As epiphora can interfere with activities of daily life and negatively affect quality of life, it is important for thoracic oncologists to be aware of this adverse event.