Peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity of dichlorodiamineplatinum: instrumental evaluation. Preliminary results

Clinical use of cis-platinum in the treatment of many human tumors is increasing. Since side effects could represent a limitation of its use, we evaluated neurotoxic effects of this compound in a group of 23 patients on antiblastic treatment for gynecological neoplasms. Evaluation was performed by clinical-neurological examination, neurophysiological data (electromyography, maximal motor conduction velocity, and sensory conduction velocity) and potentials. Seven patients reported subjective symptoms of neurological involvement. In 2 cases there was a change in the electromyographic pattern. The otolaryngological examination showed a change in the hearing threshold in 3 patients and in 1 case the fatigue test was positive. Neurotoxic effects and hearing damage was not related to the treatment schedule.