Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Case reports

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect reported by patients receiving cancer treatment, and it can affect treatment success, patient outcomes, and quality of life. CIPN typically begins with symmetrical progressive sensory alterations of the hands and feet in a stocking-gloving distribution. Currently, there is no standard treatment or intervention for the prevention, mitigation, or management of CIPN. CASES REPORT: This study represents the activity of the Pain Multidisciplinary Unit of Hospital Santa Maria in Lisbon from 2018 to 2023, specifically on oncologic patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In total, this unit observed 57 patients, 43.9% had colon/rectum cancer, 28.1% hematological, 21.1% breast, 3.5% gastric, 1.8% ovarian and 1.8% lung. The most frequent chemotherapeutic agent used was oxaliplatin (40.4%), followed by capecitabine (24.6%) and paclitaxel (22.8%). The most prescribed combination of chemotherapy agents was capecitabine with oxaliplatin, according to the CAPOX protocol. The multidisciplinary unit, in conjunction with the oncology department, has set a new procedure in which patients receiving chemotherapy with one of the known agents linked with CIPN wear a pair of frozen gloves and socks. Three patients have undergone this prevention method, none of the patients has reported symptoms of CIPN. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to draw attention to this important and limiting condition, and it also contributes to gather evidence on preventive measures that reduce the incidence of CIPN.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• pain
• peripheral nervous system diseases
• quality of life