[Effect of cis-platinum in neuroblastoma]

We treated six children with neuroblastomas. They were all refractory to conventional chemotherapy or at an advanced stage when diagnosed. Patients were four males and two females aged 1 to 7 years old, with a mean age of 3.7 years. Total cis-DDP dose ranged from 60 mg/m2 to 720 mg/m2, with a median dose of 240 mg/m2, and a mean dose of 260 mg/m2. Of the six children, two were PR, three were PD, and one was NC. Of three non-responses, two cases were clinically improved. Two cases had renal dysfunction but this improved within 3 weeks. It is said that cis-DDP induces irreversible renal damage, especially tubular necrosis. Our two cases had progressively decreased creatinine clearance, though values of BUN and creatinine were normal. Bone marrow suppression was mild, so there was no need to discontinue or modify the cis-DDP chemotherapy schedules. Two hypo-magnesemia were found, both cases being asymptomatic. Transient liver dysfunction occurred in one child, and nausea and vomiting were observed in almost all cases.