Severe Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Weakness in Both Lower Limbs in an Asian Adolescent with CYP3A4 rs2740574 TT Genotype

Abstract

Background: Vincristine (VCR)-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is a common adverse reaction during cancer treatment, typically characterized by numbness and paresthesias. This study aimed to report a rare case of VIPN with an atypical genotype, manifesting as grade 3 weakness of the lower limbs.
Case Presentation: A 19-year-old man, diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma for 8 months, was transferred to our hospital for further treatment after the failure of first-line treatment. He developed severe long-standing weakness in both lower limbs and could not walk after four sessions of second-line chemotherapy. The diagnosis of VIPN was confirmed based on the patient’s physical examination, imaging studies, electromyogram results, and treatment history. Furthermore, the pharmacogenetic analysis indicated that the patient harbored CYP3A4 rs2740574 TT genotypes.
Conclusion: We have reported for the first time a VIPN patient whose main clinical manifestation is severe weakness in both lower limbs, accompanied by the CYP3A4 rs2740574 TT phenotype. This case may provide new information on the phenotypic features of VIPN, and may help to better understand the disease pathogenesis and contributing factors.