Enhancing QOL in Cancer Patients: An Observational Study on the Incidence and Severity of Platinum-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy at a Single Cancer Centre in Chennai

Background and objectives: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a persistent adverse effect of agents like taxanes, platinum drugs, etc. This study focuses on platinum drugs and aims to compare platinum-based regimens, regarding the incidence and severity of platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN), to identify those with higher neurotoxic potential. A secondary objective is to assess patient-specific risk factors to improve analysis accuracy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Chennai from September 2024 to February 2025, involving 78 adult cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Stratified sampling ensured equal group representation (n = 26 each). Neuropathy was assessed using NCI-CTCAE criteria, with statistical analysis including chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression. Post hoc analysis identified significant group differences. Results: A total of 18% of participants developed symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy (PN). A statistically significant association was observed between platinum-based agents and the occurrence of PN (p = 0.032), with carboplatin showing a comparatively higher incidence. Among the platinum-based regimens, the paclitaxel–carboplatin (PC) combination exhibited the strongest association with PN (p = 0.049). The majority of PN cases were mild, with grade 3 and 4 events occurring exclusively in the carboplatin group. However, no statistically significant association was observed between treatment groups and PN severity (p > 0.05). Interpretation and conclusions: The study demonstrated a significant association between the paclitaxel-carboplatin (PC) regimen and the incidence of peripheral neuropathy (PN), especially in ovarian and endometrial cancers, suggesting a possible additive neurotoxic effect of paclitaxel and carboplatin in combination. These findings highlight the need for tailored neuroprotective strategies at the initiation of treatment, especially when the PC regimen is prescribed. Keywords: Paclitaxel-carboplatin, Paclitaxel-carboplatin induced peripheral neuropathy, Peripheral neuropathy, Platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy, PIPN.