PACLITAXEL CHANGES SYMPATHETIC CONTROL OF BLOOD-PRESSURE

Paclitaxel has become part of standard therapy in the treatment of ova rian and breast cancer. Concern has been raised about the effects of p aclitaxel on cardiovascular function. Therefore, this study of the eff ects of paclitaxel on autonomic cardiovascular control was initiated. Eighteen women treated for ovarian or breast cancer were examined with autonomic cardiovascular function tests, once before the treatment an d once after the second course of paclitaxel. Heart rate and blood pre ssure variability and changes in heart rate and blood pressure respons es to the tests were measured. Baroreflex sensitivity was calculated f rom the Valsalva manoeuvre non-invasively. Paclitaxel did not change h eart rate variability at rest compared with the pretreatment level. Ho wever, medium frequency variability of blood pressure was smaller afte r treatment with paclitaxel. Paclitaxel treatment did not impair the h eart rate and blood pressure responses to the autonomic function tests . The results do imply that paclitaxel alters sympathetic control of b lood pressure. Nevertheless, paclitaxel does not appear to precipitate autonomic cardiac neuropathy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.