cis-Platinum-induced hypomagnesemia and peripheral neuropathy.

From January 1980 to September 1981, sixty-nine gynecologic oncology patients received cis-platinum at 4-week intervals. Serum magnesium was drawn prior to cis-platinum administration and then at regular intervals thereafter. cis-Platinum toxicity, especially peripheral neuropathy, was monitored closely. Forty-one patients developed hypomagnesemia; thirty-one of these patients developed signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. None of the sixteen patients with normal serum magnesium levels demonstrated any evidence of neurotoxicity. Peripheral neuropathy was the major dose-limiting factor. Variables related to hypomagnesemia and peripheral neuropathy were analyzed in this patient population. It was concluded that cis-platinum-induced hypomagnesemia, as well as peripheral neuropathy, were dependent on the total dose received by a patient.