Extra Commentary


Extra Commentary

Prior to ASCO 2013, were you using calcium and magnesium to prevent or mitigate oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy (Loprinzi CL et al. Proc ASCO 2013;Abstract 3501)?

Steven R Alberts, MD, MPH
Chair, Division of Medical Oncology
Professor of Oncology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
Answer: Rarely

Before ASCO 2013, I used calcium and magnesium rarely, only for patients who experienced immediate problems with cold-induced sensory neuropathy. So the data from the ASCO study have not affected my practice.

Al B Benson III, MD
Professor of Medicine
Associate Director for
Clinical Investigations
Robert H Lurie Comprehensive
Cancer Center of
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois
Answer: Yes, selectively

I administered calcium and magnesium selectively to alleviate oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy. The findings from ASCO 2013 have changed my practice and I no longer order these agents now.

Charles S Fuchs, MD, MPH
Director
Center for Gastrointestinal Cancer
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
Answer: Yes, occasionally

I administered calcium and magnesium occasionally for patients with Grade I oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy or for whom the neuropathy was of great concern.

The presentation at ASCO 2013 certainly changed my practice. I’m not administering it now. I have a few patients who are receiving these agents now. I’ve informed them post-ASCO that the study results show no benefit. None of the patients want to stop it because they believe that it is helping them. I haven’t insisted on patients stopping it, but I will not be starting any patients on this treatment in the future.

Richard M Goldberg, MD
Professor of Medicine
Physician-in-Chief, OSUCCC -
James Cancer Hospital and
Richard J Solove Research Institute
Klotz Family Chair in Cancer Research
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Answer: No

I stopped using it several years ago, because my impression was that it did not help patients.

Axel Grothey, MD
Professor of Oncology
Department of Medical Oncology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
Answer: Yes, occasionally

Prior to ASCO 2013, I occasionally used calcium and magnesium to treat oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy. Following the data from ASCO, I no longer administer these agents.

Howard S Hochster, MD
Associate Director (Clinical Research)
Yale Cancer Center
Professor of Medicine
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut
Answer: Yes

I administered calcium and magnesium for oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy before ASCO 2013. I no longer use calcium and magnesium after the results from the ASCO study.

Herbert I Hurwitz, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Hematology/Oncology
Clinical Director, Phase I Program
Co-leader, GI Oncology Program
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina
Answer: Yes

Before ASCO 2013, I was using calcium and magnesium to reduce oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy. Following the results from the ASCO study, I no longer use it.

Wells A Messersmith, MD
Professor and Director
GI Medical Oncology Program
Co-Leader
Developmental Therapeutics Program
University of Colorado Cancer Center
Aurora, Colorado
Answer: Yes

I was administering calcium and magnesium for oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy prior to ASCO 2013.

We eliminated calcium and magnesium from our treatment plan the day after ASCO. We have explained to patients that the study results indicated no difference. We will have to wait to determine if patients experience more sensory neuropathy after stopping it.