Somatic and autonomic small fiber neuropathy induced by bortezomib therapy: an immunofluorescence study

Neurol Sci. 2011 Apr;32(2):361-3. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0475-2. Epub 2011 Feb 3.

Abstract

Bortezomib is a new chemotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. One of the major side effects of bortezomib is a peripheral length-dependent sensory axonal neuropathy and, less frequently, a small fiber neuropathy. Autonomic symptoms like postural dizziness, syncope, diarrhoea, ileus, impotence and urinary disturbances have been reported, nevertheless, autonomic neuropathy has never been characterized. We describe by means of immunofluorescence, the involvement of autonomic skin nerve fibers in three patients with small fiber neuropathy induced by bortezomib treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Boronic Acids / adverse effects*
  • Bortezomib
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Neuralgia / chemically induced
  • Neuralgia / pathology
  • Polyneuropathies / chemically induced*
  • Polyneuropathies / pathology
  • Pyrazines / adverse effects*
  • Skin / innervation

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Boronic Acids
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib