Spiritual pain from persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colon cancer patients in Japan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the spiritual pain from persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PCIPN) in colon cancer patients receiving long-term oxaliplatin therapy. The subjects were 20 colon cancer patients who underwent therapeutic intervention including oxaliplatin with a total dose of at least 850 mg/m 2 at the outpatient department of the hospital. Data were collected via a semi-structured interview method and analyzed with method of content analysis. Spiritual pain from PCIPN was expressed by a total of 6 subjects and formed 2 categories, "Losing sight of my values because of functional impairment from PCIPN" and "Threatening the value of my existence in the family owing to PCIPN." The present study revealed that spiritual pain from PCIPN existed not only in the patients' selfcontained distress, but also in the distress related to their family relationships.

Development and validation of the comprehensive assessment scale for chemotherapy–induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of cancer

“…To identify constructs, we investigated the experiences of 20 Japanese survivors with PCIPN. A total of 336 expressed experiences were recorded, which revealed that its effects did not only cause physical suffering but also social and mental distress and spiritual pain [29, 30]. We also reviewed the literature on the experience of CIPN and associated scales.…”

Relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and physical activity in cancer survivors: A prospective longitudinal study

“… 6 , 7 Consequently, the patient may avoid going out or be unable to continue work, leading to a decline in quality of life (QOL) and causing spiritual pain. 7 , 8 , 9 …”