Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:51
Systemic Delivery of MicroRNA Using Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Serotype 9 to Treat Neuromuscular Diseases in Rodents
Published on: August 10, 2018
Suramin-induced polyneuropathy
R V La Rocca1, J Meer, R W Gilliatt
1Medicine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Neurology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Suramin therapy for cancer can cause severe polyneuropathy, a nerve disorder. Monitoring suramin blood levels is recommended to prevent this neurotoxicity risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Suramin is an investigational antineoplastic agent.
- Severe polyneuropathy is a potential adverse effect of suramin therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the development of polyneuropathy in patients treated with suramin.
- To investigate the correlation between suramin plasma levels and neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 38 patients receiving parenteral suramin.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies were performed.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- Four of 38 patients developed polyneuropathy, with two experiencing severe paralysis.
- Neuropathy correlated with maximum plasma suramin levels (≥350 µg/ml).
- Elevated CSF protein was observed during the acute phase of neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Suramin can induce severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
- Neurotoxicity appears related to plasma concentration, not total dose or duration.
- Serial monitoring of plasma suramin levels is recommended during treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...