Acute encephalopathy associated with continuous vincristine sulfate combination therapy: case report.

Abstract

Neurotoxicity is a well-recognized and commonly observed side effect associated with the use of vincristine sulfate in cancer chemotherapy. The clinical manifestations of vincristine neuropathy cover a wide spectrum of peripheral neurologic dysfunctions that have been described to be reversible and cumulative in most instances (1, 2). Paresthesias, loss of tendon reflexes, and progressive weakness are the most common clinical features (3, 4). Sensory impairment, cranial nerve palsies, gastrointestinal disturbances, and autonomic dysfunctions including atonic bladder, impotence, and orthostatic hypotension may occur (5). Acute CNS complications, usually presenting as generalized seizures, are extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported which were without underlying biochemical or structural abnormalities (1, 5-9). We describe the case of a woman with multiple myeloma, who developed fulminant encephalopathy following 4 days of continuous vincristine, adriamycin, and day 1-4 pulse dexamethasone (VAD) combination therapy.

• Authors: W Scheithauer, H Ludwig, E Maida
• Journal: Investigational new drugs (Invest New Drugs) Vol. 3 Issue 3 Pg. 315-8 ( 1985) ISSN: 0167-6997 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4066227 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vincristine
• Dexamethasone
• Doxorubicin

Topics

• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Brain Diseases (chemically induced)
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Doxorubicin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Myeloma (drug therapy)
• Vincristine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)