Vincristine polyneuropathy in man. A clinical and electrophysiological study.

A clinical and electrophysiological follow up study of 14 cases of hemopathic patients undergoing VCR therapy showed evidence that the drug has a direct action on the motor and sensory axon but not on the propagation velocity. Sensory nerves seem to be affected earlier and more than motor ones. Correlation was good between clinical and electrophysiological findings for both functions. The findings in man correspond with the animal data and therefore lead to the conclusion that VCR polyneuropathy is due to an involvement of the nerve axon.