A case of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy successfully treated with <i>l</i>-menthol ointment

ABSTRACT

<b>Introduction</b> Oxaliplatin is a platinum anticancer drug effective for colorectal cancer. However, it causes acute and cumulative peripheral neuropathy in more than half of colorectal cancer patients, enormously impacting their daily lives. While it is important to manage peripheral neuropathy, no management method has yet been established. <b>Case Report</b> A woman in her 60s underwent SOX therapy for recurrent colorectal cancer and experienced the onset of peripheral neuropathy in early stage of treatment. She did not respond to continuous administration of pyridoxal phosphate hydrate and goshajinkigan. She was thus instructed at the pharmacy to apply ointment containing 1.35% <i>l</i>-menthol 3 times a day at a dose of approximately 0.5 to 1 g to the affected sites on both feet. The symptoms started to show alleviation from the first day of application. She continued applying the ointment for one month until the end of SOX therapy and had no recurrence of symptoms. <b>Conclusion</b> It was suggested that the application of ointment containing 1.35% <i>l</i>-menthol was effective for ameliorating peripheral neuropathy.