The administration of chemotherapy in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth and ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND
Standard adjuvant chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian carcinoma most commonly consists of a combination of carboplatin with a taxane derivative. However, treatment-related side effects such as peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia can be debilitating and in certain patient populations alterations may need to be considered.


METHODS
We describe a case of a patient with epithelial ovarian carcinoma who had pre-existing peripheral neuropathy secondary to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT). She developed a distal sensory and motor neuropathy after her first treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel and was unable to walk, write, or drive. Upon transfer of care to our center, we changed her taxane to docetaxel and her symptoms improved dramatically. We discuss the outcome of her treatment and the effects of paclitaxel on her underlying peripheral neuropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease who require chemotherapy may not be able to tolerate the neurotoxic side effects of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Consideration of alternative, less neurotoxic treatment regimens containing docetaxel may be considered.
Martino
Martin A
MA
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Martinma@moffitt.usf.edu
Miller
Evan
E
Grendys
Edward C
EC
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002607:Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / Q000150:complications*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel