Peripheral neuropathy after high-dose cytosine arabinoside, daunorubicin, and asparaginase consolidation for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Two patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) developed peripheral motor and sensory neuropathies after consolidation chemotherapy with high-dose cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), daunorubicin, and asparaginase. Evidence for ara-C and daunorubicin-induced peripheral neuropathies is reported. Despite the frequent use of these agents, only two cases of peripheral neuropathy after systemic therapy have been previously described; neurotoxic effects may be potentiated and become clinically important when the three drugs are used in combination.