Oxaliplatin-induced laryngospasm - A case report

Abstract

Oxaliplatin is third-generation platinum compound used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and few other malignancies. It is mostly used in combination regimens with 5-fluorouracil /leucovorin or capecitabine. Neurotoxicity is the major dose-limiting adverse event. Peripheral neuropathy, predominantly of sensory type occurs in 85-95% of patients. Severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions are very rare and generally occurs after the sixth cycle. Here, we report a 54-year-old female with Stage IV colon cancer who developed jaw muscle spasm, suffocation, and dysphonia during the infusion of 3rd cycle of CAPOX regimen. The reaction lasted up to 1 h even after the infusion was stopped and was managed with steroids and antihistamines. Laryngospam is a very rare side effect, so nursing staff and clinicians should be prepared for the management of such hypersensitivity reactions.