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Neurotoxicity of Cancer Treatment

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department 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

    Marc C. Chamberlain

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Correspondence to Marc C. Chamberlain.

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Chamberlain, M.C. Neurotoxicity of Cancer Treatment. Curr Oncol Rep 12, 60–67 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-009-0072-9

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