Li T, Kandula T, Cohn RJ, Kiernan MC, Park SB, Farrar MA. Prospective assessment of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Clin Neurophysiol 2023;
154:157-168. [PMID:
37633123 DOI:
10.1016/j.clinph.2023.08.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Vincristine is a mainstay treatment for paediatric cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with common toxicity including vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). The present study comprehensively assessed VIPN outcomes in patients receiving vincristine treatment for ALL.
METHODS
Children diagnosed with ALL commencing vincristine treatment were prospectively evaluated (baseline, post-induction, pre-reinduction, post-reinduction, follow-up). VIPN was examined clinically using the Balis sensory/motor scale, neurophysiologically using axonal excitability techniques and quality-of-life using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.
RESULTS
Thirty-one patients were recruited to this study (age = 6.8 ± 4.4; 61.3% female). Incidence of motor VIPN (motor Balis grade > 0) symptoms were higher than sensory VIPN (sensory Balis grade > 0) at post-induction (92.0% vs 36.0%) and post-reinduction (81.8% vs 22.7%) vincristine treatment. Neurophysiological assessment also demonstrated greater change in motor axonal excitability parameters compared to sensory parameters including changes in depolarising threshold electrotonus (P < 0.0125), superexcitability and subexcitability parameters (all P < 0.0125). Follow-up assessment demonstrated persisting VIPN symptoms with reduced quality-of-life scores compared to baseline.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of VIPN suggests vincristine produces a motor-prominent sensorimotor neuropathy in children which persisted at follow-up.
SIGNIFICANCE
VIPN signs and symptoms develop early in the treatment course, in line with axonal excitability profiles. Early detection of significant nerve changes may support timely implementation of neuroprotection strategies.
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