Experimental doxorubicin myopathy. A permanent treatment for eyelid spasms?

Doxorubicin may effect a more permanent chemomyectomy and chemodenervation (by retrograde "suicide transport") of the orbicularis oculi muscle than the chemodenervation produced by botulinum A toxin used for the treatment of blepharospasm. Graded doses (0.4 mg and 1.0 mg) of doxorubicin hydrochloride (2 mg/mL) were injected into the eyelids and antecubital and popliteal skin of rabbits in an attempt to evaluate the drug's efficacy and safety. Histologic changes in the orbicularis oculi muscle included necrosis and decreased mass. The results are promising because the eyelids appear to be more resistant than other skin regions to the development of tissue necrosis. Moreover, doxorubicin might not be excessively toxic in the treatment of eyelid cancer.