Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Treatment

Abstract

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy is a syndrome with distal symmetrical sensorial-dominant pain, tingling and numbness caused by neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. The severity increases with cumulative doses of chemotherapy, besides decrease in quality of life, may lead to cessation of treatment which may effect survival. Neurotoxicity causes large fiber and small fiber neuropathy through many pathologic mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Dose related neuropathic pain is most commonly seen with taxanes, platins, vinca alkaloids, bortezomib and brentuximab. There is a limited effect of anticonvulsant and antidepressant medication for treatment. In this review awareness about chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, prevention and treatment are discussed. Keywords: Chemotherapy, pain, neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy