Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy biomarkers: current updates, challenges, and potentials

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating condition of peripheral nerve because of chemotherapeutic agent exposure among cancer patients. Despite its relatively high prevalence, to date, there has been no specific or standardized diagnostic criteria for CIPN and establishing diagnosis can be burdensome with significant time and efforts. Therefore, there is a need for an accurate biomarker to aid in early and objective diagnosis of CIPN. Based on the relevant pathogenesis of CIPN, herein we discussed several potential biomarker candidates to be incorporated in the diagnosis of CIPN, ranging from bodily fluid-based biomarker such as neurotrophic factors and neurofilaments, genetic biomarker such as microRNAs, electrophysiologic biomarker such as quantitative sensory testing, and imaging biomarkers such as high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography. We also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each biomarker type, and future directions to accelerate its translation into routine use in clinical practice.