Oxaliplatin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report and Review of Pathophysiology of Various Speculative Mechanisms

Oxaliplatin is one of the most common anti-neoplastic agents used in the treatment of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common side effects of oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin-induced thrombocytopenia is an extremely rare side effect and can result from various mechanisms. We present a case of a 66-year-old female who presented to the hospital for the ninth cycle of FOLFOX chemotherapy for her small bowel adenocarcinoma. The patient developed severe thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of administration of oxaliplatin. Physicians need to be aware of the sudden onset of severe thrombocytopenia associated with oxaliplatin use as early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prove lifesaving for these patients.