Cancer treatment-related neuropathic pain syndromes--epidemiology and treatment: an update
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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

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Ellen M Lavoie Smith1, Celia M Bridges, Grace Kanzawa
1University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA, ellenls@med.umich.edu.
Abstract:
Cancer treatment-related chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is a pervasive and distressing problem that negatively influences function and quality of life for countless cancer survivors. It occurs because of cancer treatment-induced damage to peripheral and central nervous system structures. NP becomes chronic when pain signal transmission persists, eventually sensitizing neurons in the dorsal horn and other pain-processing regions in the central nervous system. Frequently overlooked, NP due to cancer treatment has been understudied. Consequently, only a few pharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective based on the results of randomized controlled trials. Future research designed to explore pathophysiologic mechanisms and effective mechanism-targeted interventions is sorely needed.
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