Rhabdomyolysis: an unusual complication of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Acute rhabdomyolysis has rarely been reported after cytotoxic chemotherapy, including cytarabine and 5-azacytidine. We observed a case of acute rhabdomyolysis and renal failure after treatment with mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide. No other cause of muscle injury could be identified, although biochemical analysis of a muscle biopsy specimen revealed a deficiency of muscle phosphorylase activity. Retreatment with doxorubicin and paclitaxel was not associated with recurrent rhabdomyolysis.