Neurologic complications of cancer chemotherapy.

Overview

Neurotoxicity related to cancer therapy is a common problem in oncology practice. Neurologic side effects can be dose-limiting, can inhibit treatment, and can substantially diminish quality of life. Symptoms may appear acutely after treatment, or remotely after therapy has been discontinued. Multiple therapies may share similar toxicities, and certain agents may potentiate symptoms. When faced with the development of neurologic complaints, familiarity with the most common complications is helpful in determining the etiology of these symptoms. This review will discuss the common complications of both established and novel agents used to treat cancer.