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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
07:42
Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
[Leukoencephalopathy caused by antineoplastic drugs]
1Division o f Neurology, Department cine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Ohyaguchi Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173 8610, Japan.
Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|March 1, 2008
Summary
Antineoplastic drugs can cause leucoencephalopathy, affecting brain white matter. Immediate drug cessation and supportive care are crucial for managing this condition, particularly carmofur-induced cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- Leucoencephalopathy is a rare but serious side effect of various antineoplastic drugs.
- The condition primarily affects the cerebral white matter and can manifest with neurological symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review leucoencephalopathy induced by antineoplastic drugs.
- To focus on carmofur-induced leucoencephalopathy due to its prevalence in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antineoplastic drug-induced leucoencephalopathy.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of carmofur-induced leucoencephalopathy.
Main Results:
- Common causative drugs include carmofur, fluorouracil, cisplatin, and methotrexate.
- Carmofur-induced leucoencephalopathy presents with gait disturbance, dysarthria, and dementia.
- MRI T2-weighted imaging is highly specific for diagnosis, showing symmetrical white matter abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Prompt discontinuation of causative antineoplastic agents is essential for treatment.
- Supportive care, including managing complications, is vital for patient recovery.
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