Toxic neuropathy in patients with pre-existing neuropathy

Neurology. 2003 Jan 28;60(2):337-40. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000043691.53710.53.

Abstract

The authors report significant worsening of a pre-existing neuropathy in six patients who received "non-toxic" dosages of known neurotoxic agents. Before treatment, baseline total neuropathy score (TNS) averaged 9.5 (range 0 to 19). After chemotherapy (Taxol [125 to 175 mg/m(2) x 4]; vincristine [2 to 5 mg]; cisplatin [40 mg/m(2) x 8]; and thalidomide [60 g]), the TNS averaged 22 (range 13 to 29). The authors conclude that functionally disabling toxic neuropathy can occur in patients with pre-existing neuropathy at standard doses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel / adverse effects
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage
  • Vincristine / adverse effects

Substances

  • Thalidomide
  • Vincristine
  • Paclitaxel
  • Cisplatin