Conclusion
Although rare, vcp is a known, potentially life threatening complication of vinca alkaloid chemotherapy agents such as Vincristine. Recovery is to be expected with cessation of therapy. Prompt diagnosis in terms of low threshold for requesting laryngeal examination by an ENT specialist can facilitate appropriate early treatment and recovery. An individualized approach to delivery of necessary chemotherapy can achieve both recovery of cord palsy allowing reversal of tracheostomy as well as maintaining long term remission from leukaemia.
Key points
  1. We present the largest case series to date of seven patients sustaining vocal cord paralysis after receiving vincristine chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
  2. Vocal cord paralysis was only seen in children under five years
  3. Vocal cord paralysis appeared to be reversible following cessation of vincristine in our case series and in other cases reported in the literature
  4. Prompt referral to an ENT specialist for bedside laryngeal examination is essential to promptly diagnose vocal cord palsy and guide management regarding the need to continue vincristine to achieve remission versus need for tracheostomy.