Chemotherapy-induced parkinsonism responsive to levodopa: an underrecognized entity.
Parkinsonism is a rare neurological complication of cancer treatment. Although individual case reports of this syndrome have been reported, the clinical features and prevalence of this syndrome are unknown. We present 3 patients, encountered over 6 months at one institution, who developed parkinsonism after treatment with various chemotherapeutic agents. Parkinsonism was severe in 2 patients, affecting postural reflexes, speech, and swallowing. All 3 patients responded dramatically to treatment with levodopa, and parkinsonism spontaneously improved or remitted over months. This unusual complication of cancer therapy is treatable and may be underappreciated.
Chuang
Cathy
C
The Neurological Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Constantino
Anne
A
The Neurological Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Balmaceda
Casilda
C
The Neurological Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Eidelberg
David
D
North-Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York, USA.
Frucht
Steven J
SJ
The Neurological Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020734:Parkinsonian Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa