administration of chemotherapy in a patient with CMT + ovarian cancer

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Gynecol Oncol. 2005 May;97(2):710-2.

The administration of chemotherapy in a patient with Charcot-Marie-

Tooth and ovarian cancer.

o MA, E, Grendys EC Jr.

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology, University of South Florida, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer

Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.

BACKGROUND: Standard adjuvant chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian

carcinoma most commonly consists of a combination of carboplatin with

a taxane derivative. However, treatment-related side effects such as

peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia can be debilitating and in

certain patient populations alterations may need to be considered.

CASE: We describe a case of a patient with epithelial ovarian

carcinoma who had pre-existing peripheral neuropathy secondary to

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT). She developed a distal sensory and

motor neuropathy after her first treatment with carboplatin and

paclitaxel and was unable to walk, write, or drive. Upon transfer of

care to our center, we changed her taxane to docetaxel and her

symptoms improved dramatically. We discuss the outcome of her

treatment and the effects of paclitaxel on her underlying peripheral

neuropathy.

CONCLUSION: Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease who require

chemotherapy may not be able to tolerate the neurotoxic side effects

of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Consideration of alternative, less

neurotoxic treatment regimens containing docetaxel may be considered.