title: Phantom limb pain as a manifestation of paclitaxel neurotoxicity.
abstract: Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent with activity directed against several malignancies. It has multiple adverse effects including neurotoxicity. We describe 2 patients with prior amputation who experienced phantom limb pain (PLP) after receiving paclitaxel therapy. A third patient experienced disabling neurotoxicity in the extremity of a prior ulnar nerve and tendon transposition after receiving paclitaxel. This unique syndrome should be identified as a direct causal effect of paclitaxel. In this report, we review the pathophysiology of PLP and treatment options. Physicians should be aware that PLP can occur after initiation of paclitaxel.
authors.affiliation: Section of Medical Oncology, Providence Hospital, Southfield, Mich. 48075, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Khattab
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Terebelo
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dabas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D009498:Neurotoxins; D017239:Paclitaxel