抄録
Discontinuation of the treatment occurs in some cases for paclitaxel due to peripheral neuropathy. Although there have been several reports regarding the risk factors of peripheral neuropathy associated with this drug, there have been no such reports in Japan. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective survey to clarify risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among patients administered PTX.
The subjects comprised all the patients in whom the administration of PTX was initiated at the Breast Center of Juntendo University Hospital between July 2004 and July 2008. PTX dosage, period of initial treatment, and severity of peripheral neuropathy were collected from the medical charts.
Peripheral neuropathy developed in 82 out of 111 patients (73.9%), and 9 of them (8.1%) were assessed as Grade 3 or higher. A previous history of diabetes mellitus was identified as a risk factor of grade 3 or higher peripheral neuropathy (Hazard ratio 5.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-34.82; p=0.047).
The rate of cases with peripheral neuropathy of Grade 3 or higher was lower than described in previous reports, and a history of diabetes mellitus was suggested as a risk factor. Because peripheral neuropathy is a problem for treatment, it is necessary to study treatment methods through a prospective controlled trial.
