Abstract |
We report a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed irreversible, severe spinal neurotoxicity after concurrent treatment with intrathecal and systemic cytarabine. Shortly after concomitant administration of intrathecal triple therapy (MTX, dexamethasone and cytarabine) and high-dose systemic cytarabin (R- DHAP protocol) the patient lost control of bowel and bladder function and developed an ascending, irreversible paraplegia. Infectious or neoplastic diseases of the spinal cord were ruled out. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine resulted in a diagnosis of toxic myelitis. Previously observed cases of spinal neurotoxicity after cytarabine treatment are reviewed as well as current guidelines for the use of intrathecal chemotherapy in high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In summary, severe spinal neurotoxicity of intrathecal chemotherapy is a rare side-effect, however several studies suggest that the neurotoxicity of cytarabine is significantly enhanced by concurrent intrathecal and high-dose systemic administration. Simultaneous high-dose systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with cytarabine should therefore be avoided.
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Authors | Winfried H Alsdorf, Michael Schmitz, Aneta Schieferdecker, Judith Dierlamm, Carsten Bokemeyer, Mascha Binder |
Journal | Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
(J Oncol Pharm Pract)
Vol. 22
Issue 3
Pg. 523-7
(Jun 2016)
ISSN: 1477-092X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 25655468
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | © The Author(s) 2015. |
Chemical References |
- Cytarabine
- Dexamethasone
- Cisplatin
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Topics |
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Cisplatin
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Cytarabine
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Dexamethasone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Humans
- Injections, Spinal
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse
(diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
- Male
- Severity of Illness Index
- Spinal Cord Diseases
(chemically induced, diagnostic imaging)
- Treatment Outcome
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