The association of peripheral neuropathy and work: a profiles-registry study

Purpose Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a disabling side-effect of cancer itself and of neurotoxic chemotherapy, which is part of recommended treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). The incidence of CRC is rising among younger, working-age adults. This study aimed to quantify the association of PN with work outcomes among participants with CRC.Methods participants with CRC from the PROCORE study were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were collected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Work-related details were self-reported. PN was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire at baseline(T1), one(T2) and two years(T3) post-diagnosis. The minimally clinical important difference (MCID) classified participants into present and absent sensory or motor PN groups.Results Similar proportions of participants with present or absent PN reported work absenteeism. The median duration of absenteeism was significantly longer for participants with present sensory PN (22 weeks longer at T2; 13,5 weeks at T3) and present motor PN (16 weeks longer at T2; 13 weeks at T3) compared to those with absent PN. Participants who reported job changes or limitations in job performance were more likely to have sensory and/or motor PN. Self-employment was associated with poorer outcomes.Conclusion This study revealed that sensory and/or motor PN was negatively associated with various aspects of CRC survivors’work life, particularly among self-employed individuals, for up to two years after diagnosis. These findings highlight the need for an effective treatment for PN to enhance survivors’ work ability. Patients undergoing neurotoxic chemotherapy should be informed that PN may adversely affect their work life.