Analysis Of Risk Factors For Peripheral Neuropathy In Patients With Gynecological Chemotherapy Treatment

Aim & Objective:
To evaluate the risk factors for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among patients with gynecological cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Methodology:
In a retrospective case-control study conducted between June 2020 to June 2021 across 15 Cancer Hospitals of India, women with gynecological cancer received taxane and platinum-complex combination therapy.
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life, gynecological cancer module questionnaire, was used to assess the severity of neuropathy by tele-interview/Face to face interview.
Sample:
A convenience sample of 120 patients with gynecologic cancer.
Results:
The present study comprised 120 (100) patients included in the study. The age-wise distribution of patients was found to be 45.±14.5 years which was found to be statistically significant. The average number of chemotherapy cycles was 7.1 (range 2–14). A total of 100 (83.3%) patients reported some level of CIPN.
Among these, 68 (68%) patients reported CIPN after the first cycle of chemotherapy, and 20 (20%) patients reported CIPN after the last cycle of chemotherapy. Out of 120 participants, 60 (50%) patients received liposomal paclitaxel, 40 (33.3%) patients received docetaxel and 20 (16.26%) patients received paclitaxel.
Fisher exact test indicated that patients receiving liposomal paclitaxel were less likely to develop CIPN. Patients receiving docetaxel or paclitaxel were more likely to suffer from SPN, which was statistically significant (p - 0.01).
Conclusion:
The present study showed that a significant proportion of patients with gynecological cancer receiving taxanes suffered from long-term residual neuropathy. The use of docetaxel and paclitaxel was associated with Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact a large portion of the gynecologic oncology population. The clinician needs to have a fundamental understanding of clinical manifestations and treatment modalities available.