Taxane-based chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a prospective cohort study

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating neurotoxic side effect of chemotherapy. Painful symptoms of CIPN can be chronic for cancer patients or survivors and limit their quality of life. Currently, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is not well understood, there are no validated treatments available for patients, and the prevalence of the condition is not well-established in Australia. This study aimed to assess the incidence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy within an Australian cohort of patients who had previously undertaken taxane-based chemotherapy agents paclitaxel or docetaxel. As a secondary outcome, this study aimed to identify any associated risk factors of CIPN and assess its impact on the QoL of patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed for CIPN through clinical diagnosis and used the Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs assessment tool for further support. Data was also collected on participants’ risk factor characteristics and symptom burden. Risk factors were analysed for correlation with CIPN using binary logistic regression tests. Results: This study found an incidence rate of 36.9% for CIPN amongst 65 Australian participants who had undergone taxane-based chemotherapy. Symptoms persisted as chronic pain (>3 months) for 87.5% of participants with CIPN and smoking was found to be a significant risk factor associated with CIPN (OR=3.51, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study established that a large proportion of chemotherapy patients experienced CIPN and its chronic pain symptoms, which impacted their QoL. Understanding CIPN prevalence and risk factors will improve future preventative measures and patient outcomes.