Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin, Sanofi-Aventis) is a water-soluble platinum-based cytotoxic drug that prevents DNA replication, and hence cell division, by cross-linking DNA. Oxaliplatin in combination with intravenous 5-FU/FA is licensed for adjuvant treatment of stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer after complete resection of primary tumour, and for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Neurotoxic side effects can be dose limiting. Acute paraesthesias or dysaesthesias of the extremities, triggered or exacerbated by cold temperatures, occur in 85% to 95% of people within hours of oxaliplatin infusion. These symptoms are normally mild and resolve within hours or days. However, with increasing cumulative dose, peripheral sensory symptoms increase in duration and intensity. Symptoms may progress to functional impairment. Cumulative neurotoxicity is reversible in most, but not all, cases, with regression of symptoms occurring in 4 to 6 months in about 80% of patients (see also section 4.1.13). Other side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and myelosuppression.