Abstract
A 62-year-old male underwent resection of multiple colorectal tumors. The surgical findings and pathology confirmed the final diagnosis of Stage IIIa colon cancer. Capecitabine was chosen for adjuvant chemotherapy after the operation. Day 4 after the initiation of capecitabine, the patient presented with severe physical and neurological disorders including inability to walk, confusion and general fatigue. Brain MRI revealed leukoencephalopathy. After cessation of capecitabine, the neurological symptoms gradually diminished over several days. At the same time, the abnormal MRI findings disappeared. Drug-induced leukoencephalopathy is known to be caused by various anti-neoplastic agents. However, capecitabine-induced leukoencephalopathy has not previously been reported in Japan. Considering our case and overseas reports, capecitabine induced leukoencephalopathy tends to develop within a short time. It is advisable to observe carefully whether patients present with neurological disorders for the first time upon starting capecitabine therapy.
