Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
Neurotoxicity of cancer treatment
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Avenue E, MS G4-940, POB 10923, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. chambemc@u.washington.edu
Abstract:
Cancer therapy--including brain-directed surgery, brain or spine irradiation, or chemotherapy--may affect the nervous system in a deleterious manner, affecting either the central or peripheral nervous systems. The causation of encephalopathy (eg, radiation, chemotherapy) is most relevant for the differential diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as defining a specific cause determines further treatment and outcome. Peripheral nervous system disorders (ie, steroid myopathy, spindle poison, or platinum neuropathy) are predominantly treatment related and respond best to discontinuation of the neurotoxic agent.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
