Peripheral neuropathy due to therapy with paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the peripheral neuropathic changes induced by combination chemotherapy including paclitaxel (taxol), gemcitabine and cisplatin (TGC regimen).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Eighteen patients with primary or recurrent ovarian cancer were treated with paclitaxel 150 or 110 mg/m2, respectively, together with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2, 3 weekly for 6 cycles. Neurologic evaluation and quantitative assessment by vibration perception threshold (VPT) and grip strength took place before therapy, after 3 and 6 cycles of chemotherapy, and thereafter when possible.

RESULTS

Both neuropathic symptoms and signs developed in all patients (100%), becoming most prominent 3 months after the last course of chemotherapy. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy developed in one patient during chemotherapy, and in 3 additional patients after cessation of therapy. No significant differences were observed between chemo-naive patients and pretreated patients.

CONCLUSION

This TGC combination is well tolerated in terms of peripheral neuropathy during therapy, although the off-therapy worsening caused by cisplatin remains a problem.