Oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer patients living in an arctic or subarcticarea: Significant cold-triggered dysesthesias and laryngeal reactions

Oxaliplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) has b een proven effective in colorectal cancer, However, side effects such as co ld-triggered dysesthesia and laryngo-pharyngeal spasm have been reported. T o clarify the side effects of oxaliplatin in a subarctic or arctic setting, a phase II study was performed. In October and November 1999, 8 patients w ith colorectal cancer were enrolled and treated with oxaliplatin (130 mg/m( 2) - day 1) and the FLv - Nordic regimen (5-FU 500 mg/m(2) and leucovorin 1 00 mg for 2 days) every 3(rd) week as second- (6 pts) or third-line (2 pts) therapy. At evaluation in March 2000, 7 patients were alive and 6 PD, 1 SD and 1 PR were obtained. Acute laryngeal reaction was reported by 3 out of 8 patients and cold-triggered dysesthesia by all patients, Six available pa tients were interviewed by phone. Half of the interviewed patients recommen d the therapy to be offered to other patients. In conclusion, oxaliplatin ( 130 mg/m(2)) therapy in arctic or subarctic areas during the winter introdu ces significant cold-triggered symptoms.