Clinical course and risk factors of neurotoxicity following cisplatin in an intensive dosing schedule.

An intensive weekly regimen of cisplatin was administered to 66 patients with solid cancer in doses varying from 70 to 85 mg/m(2) . The occurrence of sensory neuropathy was prospectively examined by assessment of neuropathic signs and symptoms and measurement of vibration perception threshold (VPT). Evaluation was performed before initiation of therapy and during follow-up until 3-12 months after the last cycle of cisplatin. A mild or moderate neuropathy developed in 47% of patients at 2 weeks after treatment This neuropathy continued to deteriorate until approximately 3 months after cessation of chemotherapy leading to a mild or moderate neuropathy in 71% of patients and a severe neuropathy in 9% of patients. Thereafter we observed a gradual but incomplete recovery. The high incidence of neuropathy we found may be explained by the prolonged observation period compared with earlier reports. The only factor correlated with severity of neuropathy was the cumulative dose of cisplatin, while there was no association with either pre-treatment VPT, age, sex, tumor type or co-treatment with etoposide. The progressing course up to approximately 3 months after the end of treatment underscores the need for prolonged follow-up in future studies on cisplatin neuropathy.- 1994 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.