Chemotherapy-induced parkinsonism responsive to levodopa: an underrecognized entity.

Abstract

Parkinsonism is a rare neurological complication of cancer treatment. Although individual case reports of this syndrome have been reported, the clinical features and prevalence of this syndrome are unknown. We present 3 patients, encountered over 6 months at one institution, who developed parkinsonism after treatment with various chemotherapeutic agents. Parkinsonism was severe in 2 patients, affecting postural reflexes, speech, and swallowing. All 3 patients responded dramatically to treatment with levodopa, and parkinsonism spontaneously improved or remitted over months. This unusual complication of cancer therapy is treatable and may be underappreciated.

• Authors: Cathy Chuang, Anne Constantino, Casilda Balmaceda, David Eidelberg, Steven J Frucht
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 18 Issue 3 Pg. 328-331 (Mar 2003) ISSN: 0885-3185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12621638 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 Movement Disorder Society

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Antiparkinson Agents
• Levodopa

Topics

• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Antiparkinson Agents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Levodopa (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Parkinsonian Disorders (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome