Guillain-Barre syndrome after bortezomib therapy in a child with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A 12-year-old male being treated for a high-risk relapsed T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented progressive weakness and numbness of both legs after having received a chemotherapy regimen that included bortezomib. Diagnosis of acute Guillain-Barre syndrome-like inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy was made following clinical examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnostic studies, magnetic resonance imaging, and serum immunoglobulin antibodies to anti-ganglioside. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was started, resulting in complete clinical recovery. Although in rare cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome after bortezomib therapy has been reported; this paper suggests that GBS may occur when bortezomib is administered and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin lead to a resolution of the symptoms.