Platinum-drugs induced peripheral neurotoxicity: clinical course and preclinical evidence

Introduction: Platinum-drugs (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin) are widely used in Medical Oncology departments to treat common neoplasms whose survival has greatly increased in the last few years. Thus, there is a growing population of cancer survivors who were treated with them and whose Quality of Life can be impaired by neurological late toxicities. Areas covered: Essential clinical information of natural history, predisposing factors, assessment issues and lacks in treatment for peripheral neurotoxicity are here reported. An overview of preclinical pathogenetic observations is also given to drive future drug discovery. Expert opinion: To unravel needs and lacks for platinum-induced neurotoxicity a great effort is still to be done. A coordinated and combined effort of clinical and preclinical researchers is required. The newborn multidisciplinary Toxic Neuropathy Consortium - Special Interest Group of the Peripheral Nerve Society - seems a virtuous alliance that might find answers to meet clinical and scientific needs in this field.