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Updated: Apr 28, 2026
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Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
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Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Paediatric Oncology Patients
Summary
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurred in 18.3% of pediatric cancer patients. Most children with CIPN experienced clinical improvement, indicating a favorable outcome for pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Vinca alkaloids and platinum-based chemotherapy agents are known to cause chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
- This study investigated the incidence of CIPN in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, brain tumors, or Wilms tumor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in children treated for various cancers.
- To assess the clinical outcomes and recovery patterns in pediatric patients who developed CIPN.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed 252 pediatric patients treated between 2001 and 2011.
- CIPN was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms (e.g., limb paresthesia, weakness, ataxia) attributed to a peripheral cause by treating oncologists or neurologists.
- Patients receiving chemotherapy were included; those without chemotherapy were excluded.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of CIPN was 18.3% (46/252).
- Tumor-specific CIPN rates varied: 18.9% for ALL, 9.4% for lymphoma, 17.9% for Wilms tumor, and 23.7% for brain tumors.
- Nerve conduction studies, performed on 17% of patients, were abnormal in all but one case. Among survivors with CIPN, 93% showed no clinical deficits at a mean follow-up of 56 months.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of CIPN in this pediatric cohort was lower than previously reported in adult populations.
- Pediatric patients with CIPN generally experience a favorable prognosis, with most demonstrating clinical improvement during or after chemotherapy treatment.
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