Improvement of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy by substitution of docetaxel for paclitaxel

Although the combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has a better therapeutic index than the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin, peripheral neuropathy often occurs and remains the most chronic toxicity of this therapy.

Six patients with ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma who developed grade 2 peripheral neuropathy during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin had decreased or resolution of their neuropathy after their therapy was changed to docetaxel and carboplatin.

Changing the taxane from paclitaxel to docetaxel in combination with carboplatin resulted in decreased or resolution of established peripheral neurotoxicity. This is one strategy to allow continued taxane therapy in the face of progressing peripheral neuropathy.