Fig. 5: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in patients suffering from ovarian cancer.
From: Blockade of IL-6 signaling prevents paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in C57Bl/6 mice
We analyzed data from patients suffering from ovarian cancer with regards to the development of sensory neuropathy. Patients undergoing combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel (6 × 175 mg/m2 body surface area) and carboplatin (AUC 5) +/– bevacizumab developed axonal sensory neuropathy, which was marked by (a) a significant decrease of the sural nerve sensory action potential amplitude (SNAP), while (b) the nerve conduction velocity was unaffected. c The total neuropathy score (TNSr) which integrates clinical and electrophysiological parameters showed a steep increase. Severity of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy showed a positive correlation with the serum IL-6 concentration before (d) more than after (e) chemotherapy. Error bars depict SEM. Statistical analysis: a, b t-test, c Mann–Whitney-U test, d, e Spearman correlation of seven patients; *p < 0.05, NS not significant.
