RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Intraepidermal Nerve Fibre Density in Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 4413
OP 4416
VO 31
IS 12
A1 MIKA J. KOSKINEN
A1 ANNA-LIISA KAUTIO
A1 MAIJA L. HAANPÄÄ
A1 HANNU K. HAAPASALO
A1 PIRKKO-L. KELLOKUMPU-LEHTINEN
A1 TIINA SAARTO
A1 AKI J. HIETAHARJU
YR 2011
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/31/12/4413.abstract
AB Background: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a common adverse event in patients receiving vinca alcaloids, platinum derivatives and taxanes. However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. We set up a prospective pilot study on skin biopsies in newly diagnosed cancer patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents as adjuvant treatment in order to study the occurrence of small-fibre pathology and its relationship to clinical symptoms. Patients and Methods: Skin biopsies from distal leg were performed in 12 patients before, during and after chemotherapy. Using light microscopy, the intraepidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density was determined from the skin biopsies by counting morphometrically the immunopositive nerves per epidermal area. Results: Reduced IENF density was observed in eight patients at baseline. During the follow-up, the IENF density increased significantly in six patients and remained unchanged in two. In four patients, the IENF density was normal both at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. Neuropathic symptoms were manifested in nine patients, but no association with the IENF count was found. Conclusion: During chemotherapy, results from patients revealed different evolutionary patterns of IENF density, but symptoms and IENF density were not related.