Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
08:41
Visualizing the DNA Damage Response in Purkinje Cells Using Cerebellar Organotypic Cultures
Published on: December 27, 2024
Capecitabine-associated cerebellar ataxia
Masha S H Lam1, Douglas A Kaufman, Michael P Russin
1Hematology/Oncology Infusion Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, Antioch, CA 94531, USA. sin.h.lam@kp.org
Summary
This case study highlights capecitabine-induced cerebellar ataxia, a reversible neurological side effect in a patient with colorectal cancer. Prompt dose reduction and treatment interruption led to symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer treatment often involves combination chemotherapy.
- Capecitabine is a widely used oral chemotherapeutic agent.
Observation:
- A patient with stage IV colorectal cancer developed progressive cerebellar ataxia during capecitabine-based chemotherapy.
- Neurological symptoms included gait disturbance and inability to walk without assistance.
- Brain imaging ruled out metastasis or cerebellar abnormalities.
Findings:
- Capecitabine dose escalation was associated with the onset and worsening of cerebellar ataxia.
- Neurologic symptoms resolved completely after capecitabine dose reduction and treatment interruption.
- Symptoms did not recur after resolution, indicating reversibility.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cerebellar ataxia as a potential side effect of capecitabine.
- Dose modification and temporary discontinuation of capecitabine may be necessary for managing this toxicity.
- Understanding capecitabine's neurotoxicity is crucial for optimizing cancer treatment and patient safety.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:29Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...