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. 2017 Aug;54(2):204-218.e2.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.342. Epub 2017 Jan 4.

Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

Christine Miaskowski  1 , Judy Mastick  2 , Steven M Paul  2 , Kimberly Topp  3 , Betty Smoot  3 , Gary Abrams  3 , Lee-May Chen  3 , Kord M Kober  2 , Yvette P Conley  4 , Margaret Chesney  3 , Kay Bolla  2 , Grace Mausisa  2 , Melissa Mazor  2 , Melisa Wong  3 , Mark Schumacher  3 , Jon D Levine  3
Affiliations

Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

Christine Miaskowski et al. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Context: Evidence suggests that chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) is a significant problem for cancer survivors. However, a detailed phenotypic characterization of CIN in cancer survivors is not available.

Objectives: To evaluate between-group differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as in measures of sensation, function, and postural control, in a sample of cancer survivors who received a platinum and/or a taxane-based CTX regimen and did (n = 426) and did not (n = 197) develop CIN.

Methods: Survivors completed self-report questionnaires and underwent objective testing (i.e., light touch, pain sensation, cold sensation, vibration, muscle strength, grip strength, Purdue Pegboard test, Timed Get Up and Go test, Fullerton Advanced Balance test). Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to compare between-group differences in study outcomes.

Results: Of the 426 survivors with CIN, 4.9% had CIN only in their upper extremities, 27.0% only in their lower extremities, and 68.1% in both their upper and lower extremities. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with CIN included the following: older age, lower annual income, higher body mass index, a higher level of comorbidity, being born prematurely, receipt of a higher cumulative dose of chemotherapy, and a poorer functional status. Survivors with CIN had worse outcomes for all of the following objective measures: light touch, pain, temperature, vibration, upper and lower extremity function, and balance.

Conclusions: This study is the first to provide a detailed phenotypic characterization of CIN in cancer survivors who received a platinum and/or a taxane compound. These data can serve as a benchmark for future studies of CIN in cancer survivors.

Keywords: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy; balance; cancer; chemotherapy; gait; pain; pain qualities; sensations; vibration.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentages of patients with (Y) and without (N) chemotherapy-induced neuropathy who felt each of the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments at each of the sites tested in the upper extremities.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentages of patients with (Y) and without (N) chemotherapy-induced neuropathy who felt each of the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments at each of the sites tested on the dorsal surface of the lower extremities.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentages of patients with (Y) and without (N) chemotherapy-induced neuropathy who felt each of the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments at each of the sites tested on the plantar surface of the lower extremities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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