[Loss of consciousness during treatment with G-CSF]

[Neurologic complications of chemotherapy]

INTRODUCTION

Neurotoxicity can be induced by the synergistic or additive effects of cytotoxic treatments, and nervous system exposure is related to routes and doses.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

The improvements in treating systemic malignancy have been accompanied by reports of neurologic toxicity, which has an important impact on the quality of life and may even limit the use of the treatment.

PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE PROJECTS

It demands out a continuous clinical evaluation to detect their appearance. When neurological complications are diagnosed later, they are rarely reversible. Neuroprotective agents are still being evaluated.

[Epilepsy and cancer]

INTRODUCTION

Seizures are common in patients presenting with intracranial tumors. Nevertheless, the incidence of cancer is not higher in patients with seizures. We attempted to summarize situations that can lead to the diagnosis or treatment of seizures in patients presenting with cancer.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Focal neurological signs on clinical examination when seizures occur for the first time in patients with cancer lead to brain imaging. As a result of recent advances in neuro-imaging techniques, the presence of a tumor is now more frequently observed in patients with seizures.

PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE PROJECTS

As it may have irritating effects on the cerebral cortex, chemotherapy is able to either increase or induce seizures in patients presenting with cancer. Potential pharmacological interactions between antiepileptic and cytotoxic drugs thus require close surveillance in patients with cancer.