Calcium and magnesium infusions for prevention of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.
387 Background: Oxaliplatin plays an important role in chemotherapy regimens for colorectal and other GI malignancies. Debilitating peripheral neuropathy (PN) often develops with use of this drug. One study (Grothey A et al, ASCO 2009, abst #4025) has shown that pre- and post-oxaliplatin infusions with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) may reduce this toxicity. To confirm this in an unselected indigent minority population, a retrospective review was performed comparing development of PN in oxaliplatin exposed patients treated with or without Ca/Mg. Methods: Records of patients who received oxaliplatin from 1/2008 to 12/2009 at MetroHealth Medical Center, a large safety net hospital in Cleveland, OH, were reviewed. 47 patients received Ca/Mg + oxaliplatin and 46 oxaliplatin alone. Data collected included age, race, gender, insurance status, performance status, tumor type, stage, concomitant diseases (DM and EtOH), number of cycles and cumulative dose of oxaliplatin. PN was determined using the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0. Patients were followed 6 months after completion of oxaliplatin. Results: Demographic data was similar between the two groups. Colorectal cancer compromised 77% of the treatment group and 85% of control group. Patients who received Ca/Mg had significantly less PN in all three grades (1-3) compared with the control group (grade 1 89.4% vs. 71.7%, grade II 10.6% vs. 19.6%, grade 3 0% vs. 8.7%, respectively). The cumulative dose of oxaliplatin did not differ between the two groups (Ca/Mg median 1,143 range 260-2,169; control median 1,425 range 137-2,635). The combined total grades 2 and 3 in both the treatment and control (10.6% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.038) favored use of Ca/Mg. Conclusions: This small, retrospective study confirms that Ca/Mg infusions reduce the incidence of clinically significant (grade 2/3) PN in pts receiving oxaliplatin. No significant financial relationships to disclose.