G. Cavaletti et al., Neuro- and ototoxicity of high-dose carboplatin treatment in poor prognosis ovarian cancer patients, ANTICANC R, 18(5B), 1998, pp. 3797-3802
Background: Hematopoietic toxicity of high-dose carboplatin (HD-CBDCA) chem
otherapy can be managed effectively with autologous blood cell support, but
no conclusive data are available on its the neuro- and ototoxicity. Patien
ts and methods: We determined the neuro- and ototoxicity of HD-CBDCA in 10
patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer. HD-CBDCA was delivered as 24-
hour continous infusion or as 5-day schedules. Each patient underwent an ex
tended clinical and instrumental neurological and otological evaluation bef
ore, during and after treatment. Results: After HD-CBDCA only I patient had
a clinically-evident peripheral neuropathy, while 3 additional patients ha
d only distal paresthesias. Neurophysiological examination evidenced mild,
although diffuse, sensory nerve impairment. Motor nerve impairment war also
occasionally observed All the sensory and motor pathological changes had a
favorable course during the follow-up period. Ototoxicity was more severe
than neurotoxicity and, in one case it was dose-limiting and audiologic imp
airment tended to remain constant also in the follow-up period. Conclusions
: HD-CBDCA treatment can be tolerated by most of the patients, but careful
monitoring of neuro- and, especially, ototoxicity should be planned.