Prevention of tissue necrosis due to accidental extravasation of cytostatic drugs by a conservative approach.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate comparatively the effectiveness of a conservative approach to treatment, using two therapeutic schedules (with and without sodium thiosulfate (ST), so as to minimize necrosis due to drug extravasation and to avoid the need for reconstructive surgery. The 63 patients entered into this study were separated into two groups; these in group A were treated with hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, and these in group B received the combination plus ST. In both groups, the drugs that had extravasated included doxorubicin, epirubicin, vinblastine, mitomycin C.