Freezing peripheral neuropathy

This study analyzed the occurrence and risk of peripheral neuropathy due to docetaxel treatments.

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in the treatment of cancer, usually in combination with other chemotherapy agents. However, a number of side effects have been associated with the use of docetaxel.  Docetaxel may damage nerve cells, resulting in a variety of symptoms commonly referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms may include numbness and tingling of the arms or legs, a burning or painful sensation, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, hair or nail changes and edemas (swelling). Peripheral neuropathy may develop immediately following the first treatment cycle (referred to as early onset), but more often during later cycles as drug levels build up in the body (referred to as late onset). This study investigated how different docetaxel based chemotherapy regimens affect the development of peripheral neuropathy.

A total of 1,725 breast cancer patients requiring chemotherapy were assigned to one of two treatment groups. The D100 group was assigned to receive three cycles of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by three cycles of docetaxel at a dose of 100 mg/m². The D75 group received six cycles of cyclophosphamide and docetaxel at a dose of 75 mg/m².

Results showed that overall, 194 patients experienced early onset peripheral neuropathy and 403 experienced late onset peripheral neuropathy. Compared to the D75 group, the D100 regimen was associated with more than a 3-fold increase in the risk of early onset peripheral neuropathy, but 31% reduced risk of late onset peripheral neuropathy. Patients who developed peripheral neuropathy received as a result lower doses of chemotherapy treatments, potentially hindering therapy.

Analysis of different patient characteristics also showed that the risk of peripheral neuropathy was reduced by 44% if patients wore frozen gloves and socks during treatments.

This study concluded that the risk of docetaxel induced peripheral neuropathy may be reduced by wearing frozen gloves and socks during treatments.

Consult with your physician on how to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy during docetaxel therapy.