Misonidazole Neuropathy: a clinical, electrophysiological, and histological study.
We studied eight patients with carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx (five cases) or lungs (three cases) who, during treatment with the radiosensitizing drug misonidazole, developed peripheral neuropathy dominated by severe sensory symptoms and signs mainly localized to the lower extremities. The symptoms partially subsided within months after cessation of therapy. Electrophysiological and histological findings indicated an axonal neuropathy with loss of large fibers and secondary demyelination. The neurotoxic property of misonidazole limits its therapeutic use.
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D008920:Misonidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000187:drug effects; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000187:drug effects
D009593:Nitroimidazoles; D008920:Misonidazole