In a nutshell
This study investigated the number of people affected by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Risk factors for CIPN, and whether there was an increased risk of falls were also studied. The authors found that most long-term survivors of breast cancer had some CIPN symptoms. Obesity was the main risk factor. Patients suffered more falls when CIPN was more severe.
Some background
Patients recovering from breast cancer can suffer side effects from chemotherapy treatments. One possible side effect is peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves that can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet). CIPN develops within weeks or months after starting chemotherapy treatment, and can last for months or years after treatment ends.
Some studies have found that the number of people who suffer from CIPN ranges from 23% to 80%. The risk factors, fall risk, and prevalence of CIPN is unclear.
Methods & findings
This study included 296 post-menopausal women with a history of stage 1-3 breast cancer. The average age was 62 years. Among the women, 108 (36.4%) were overweight and 93 (31.4%) were obese. These women had undergone taxane-based chemotherapy (taxane is a type of drug). The average time since the last chemotherapy session was 5.6 years.
Overall, 173 (58.4%) reported CIPN symptoms: 91 (30.7%) rated their symptoms as mild and 82 (27.7%) rated their symptoms moderate to severe. Compared to women of normal weight, being obese was associated with an increased risk (94%) of CIPN.
The severity of CIPN was associated with higher risk of falls: 23.8% of patients with no CIPN had falls, 31.9% of mild CIPN sufferers had falls, and 41.5% of moderate or severe CIPN sufferers had falls. An older age was also associated with CIPN.
Patients with CIPN reported greater levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression than patients without CIPN.
The bottom line
The study concluded that CIPN was associated with reduced quality of life in terms of pain, falls, and psychological distress, and that support should be given to this group of patients. Obesity was a key risk factor for CIPN.
The fine print
The researchers had no knowledge of any symptoms the patients had before undergoing chemotherapy.
Published By :
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Date :
Aug 10, 2016
