title: Dysphonia as an unusual toxic event of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
abstract: Oxaliplatin is a new, third-generation platinum complex. It has a good safety profile characterized by low hematological-gastrointestinal toxicity. No significant nephro-ototoxicity has been observed. Acute peripheral neuropathy is a common event affecting, as grade 1 or 2, 85-95% of patients. Recently, data on dysphonia toxicity, after the administration of oxaliplatin, has been reported in literature. This toxicity with acute onset can be misunderstood if not carefully looked for. However, it is self-limiting and a non-permanent (grade 1-2) neurotoxic phenomenon, which impairs transiently the quality of life of a percentage of oxaliplatin-treated patients. We report our experience in consecutive patients affected by advanced colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Overall, we observed 13 (16%) cases of dysphonia out of 81 consecutive patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. This toxic effect was self-limiting and all patients recovered rapidly. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of this phenomenon is essential to give correct information to the patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology A and 3B--National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berretta
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Taibi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bearz
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: La Mura
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berretta
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tirelli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frustaci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D000077150:Oxaliplatin