Neuropathy of nitroimidazole radiosensitizers: clinical and pathological description

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(84)90537-6· OSTI ID:6003812

Wasserman, T H; Nelson, J S; VonGerichten, D

The dose limiting toxicity of the nitroimidazole radiosensitizers is peripherial neuropathy. Improved pharmacology of newer drugs has eliminated the encephalopathy. Peripheral neuropathies are predominently mild to moderate paresthesias of both hands and feet. Subjective changes occur with or without minimal objective changes on neurologic exam. All of the neuropathies occurred within 30 days of the last drug dose and are of varible duration. Sural nerve biopsies from patients indicate progressive axonal degeneration affecting both large and small caliber myelinated fibers. Axonal damage appears to be more severe in the distal portion of the nerves. More data are needed for correlation of clinical and pathological changes.

• Research Organization: Washington Univ. School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
• OSTI ID: 6003812
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 10:9; ISSN IOBPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550900 -- Pathology
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AZOLES
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
IMIDAZOLES
INFLAMMATION
MICROSCOPY
NERVES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATHOLOGY
PATIENTS
RADIOSENSITIVITY EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS
TOXICITY