Evaluating the impact of nerve damage as side effect of chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer

This study evaluated the frequency and severity of nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Additionally, researchers evaluated the impact this side effect has on patients’ quality of life.

Neuropathy is the damage of nerves caused either by disease or by treatments for a disease. One such cause is chemotherapy for several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Neuropathy can cause symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness and trembling, particularly in the hands and feet. As a result, people who suffer this side effect from chemotherapy can have difficulties with activities in everyday life such as carrying items and walking. Patients can also experience different grades of pain as a result of neuropathy. This article aimed to evaluate the frequency of neuropathy as side effect from chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer, and how it affects patients’ quality of life. 

This study included 1,643 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2010. All patients had completed questionnaires about their quality of life and neuropathy status. Results showed that patients were reporting symptoms of neuropathy two to eleven years after diagnosis of colorectal cancer. 42% of men reported problems maintaining an erection, 11% of all patients had problems hearing or opening jars (loss of strength in the hands), 10% experienced tingling in the toes or feet and 9% reported weakness in the legs which led to problems standing up or climbing stairs.

Symptoms were more common in patients who received oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) as part of their treatment regimen. Tingling in the toes and feet was reported by 29% of patients treated with oxaliplatin compared to 14% in those who received other chemotherapy drugs. Also, symptoms like numbness, aching or burning in the toes and feet was experienced by 17% and 13% of patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, respectively compared to 5% and 6% of patients who did not receive chemotherapy, respectively. Patients who experienced many neuropathy symptoms reported significantly worse quality of life compared to patients who experienced fewer symptoms.

Overall, this study shows that neuropathy is a long term side effect of chemotherapy. Although it often clears up when treatment ends, this side effect can last for a substantial length of time. Researchers showed that neuropathy was more common in CRC patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, and this side effect can have a serious impact on patients’ quality of life.

Further research needs to be carried out on how to prevent and treat chemotherapy induced neuropathy, as treatment for this condition is still difficult and limited.

Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent or alleviate neuropathy symptoms.