Background & Aims

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) poses a growing concern within the realm of oncologic treatment, significantly impacting the quality of life for patients. This complex phenomenon manifests through a variety of debilitating symptoms, compromising the functionality and well-being of individuals undergoing these therapies and may require dose reduction or even interruption of treatment. Aim: To provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the prevalence of CIPN and neuropathic pain, exploring relevant studies and identifying gaps in the existing literature.

Methods

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted from 2014 to January 2024, employing databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, identifying relevant articles using the primary database search terms and gray literature (Google, 10 first results). The search strategy included controlled descriptors and strings tailored to each database, focusing on key terms: Peripheral Neuropathy Chemotherapy Induced, Neuropathic Pain, Cancer Pain, Prevalence, and Epidemiology. Data extraction involved two independent reviewers, resolving disagreements through a third author. Extracted information included author, year, country, journal, study design, sample characteristics, diagnosis criteria, interventions, peripheral neuropathy protocol, measurement points, and results. This systematic approach ensured a rigorous examination of the literature, providing valuable insights into the prevalence and epidemiology of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

Results

The final sample consisted of 11 studies: 5 articles from European countries, 4 from North America, 1 from Oceania and 1 from Asia. In terms of methodology, 5 were prospective cohort studies, 2 were cross-sectional studies, 2 were narrative reviews, 1 was a retrospective cohort study and 1 was a systematic review. The prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in the studies ranged from 16.8% to 92.06%, with an average of 29.76%. With regard to the prevalence of painful symptoms related to Neuropathic Pain (NP), studies vary from 12.4% to 82.9% with an average of 35.9% among patients with CIPP. The most neurotoxic drugs were taxanes, platinum, bortezomib, vinca alkaloids and phosphamides. Other results are in relation to risk factors which include female gender, younger age, cancer at a more advanced stage, among others, and poorer quality of life and difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living in people with painful symptoms.

Conclusions

CIPN and NP are frequent and debilitating conditions affecting patients undergoing cancer treatment. The results of this review indicate that CIPN is a frequent condition, with an average of 29.76%. And among patients with CIPN, around 35.9% have pain symptoms. The most neurotoxic drugs are taxanes, platinums, bortezomib, vinca alkaloids and phosphamides. CIPN can cause a variety of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, sensory changes and changes in motor function. These symptoms can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, affecting their ability to carry out activities of daily living, work and interact socially. Furthermore, such symptoms may require dose reduction, affecting treatment outcomes. Early identification of NPIQ is important for the development of prevention and treatment strategies. Monitoring patients for the development of painful symptoms is recommended, especially those who are being treated with neurotoxic drugs.

References

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Presenting Author

Ruan Melo

Poster Authors

Valquiria Silva

PhD

Hospital das clinicas da faculdade de São Paulo

Lead Author

Ruan Melo

University of São Paulo, School of Nursing, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Lead Author

Alessandra Santos da Fonseca

LIM-62, Pain Center, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Neurology Department, São Paulo

Lead Author

Topics

  • Models: Chronic Pain - Neuropathic