Peripheral neuropathy induced by exemestane: a case report and literature review

Introduction: Breast cancer represents the second leading cause of death among women from cancer in the world. Within this context, the use of adjuvant endocrine therapy is recommended to prevent the recurrence of this injury. Although aromatase inhibitors significantly decrease the recurrence of this neoplasia in women after menopause, such drugs can be associated with important adverse effects. The aim of this article is to report, possibly, the first case of peripheral neuropathy induced by the use of exemestane, and to perform a bibliographic review on the main evidence available in the literature on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Case Report: HFA, 84 years old, female, with a history of breast cancer and mastectomy, 3 and 2 years ago, respectively, using exemestane, complaining of paresthesia in the palms and plants. After the interruption of the exemestane treatment, there was a partial, but notable, improvement in the condition. Discussion: We believe in a possible causal relation given previous reports of neuropathy caused by drugs with an endocrine effect in anticancer therapy, in addition to the significant improvement after the suspension of exemestane. Conclusion: Large clinical studies are mandatory to confirm the possible causal relationship between exemestane and peripheral neuropathies.