Chemotherapie-induzierte neuropathien

The induction of peripheral neuropathy is a common factor in limiting therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs. Little is known about pothomechanisms responsible for the development of neuropothy. Depending on the substance used, one will find a pure sensory and painful neuropathy (cisplatin, oxaliplotin, carboplatin) or a mixed sensory-motor neuropathy with involvement of the autonomic nervous system (vincristine, taxanes). Neurotoxicity depends on the total cumulative dose and the type of drug used. In individual cases neuropathy can develop even after a single drug application. A general predisposition for developing a chemotherapy related neuropathy has been observed in nerves previously damaged by diabetes mellitus or alcohol. The recovery from symptoms is often incomplete and a long period of regeneration is required to restore function. Up to now, no reliable drug is available to prevent or cure chemotherapy induced neuropathy.