Hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by infusion of oxaliplatin: a case report.

INTRODUCTION Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum compound with proven antitumor activity in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The occurrence of life-threating hemolitic uremic syndrome has been observed after oxaliplatin therapy. The kind of tumor and treatment modalities seem to influence the onset of hemolitic uremic syndrome. METHODS The clinical course of the case is reviewed and compared with reports of other similar cases in the literature. RESULTS We describe the development of hemolitic uremic syndrome as a result of prolonged oxaliplatin treatment of a colon cancer patient. CONCLUSIONS Although this rare event requires the concurrence of other unknown factors, it should be considered in a decision-making setting.