Chemotherapy-Related Neurotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chemotherapy can cause significant neurotoxicity affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Manifestations range from encephalopathies and cognitive impairment to peripheral neuropathy and myopathy.
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent complication, often presenting as sensory axonopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy.
• To discuss the clinical presentation and management of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity.
• To highlight CIPN as a common and challenging side effect.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity.
• Analysis of clinical syndromes affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Evaluation of treatment options for CIPN.

Main Results:

• Central neurotoxicity presents with diverse syndromes like encephalopathies and cognitive deficits.
• Peripheral neurotoxicity includes CIPN, the most frequent complication, and chemotherapy-induced myopathy.
• Duloxetine is identified as a preferred symptomatic treatment for CIPN based on meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

• Chemotherapy poses risks to both central and peripheral nervous systems.
• CIPN is a dose-dependent, length-dependent sensory axonopathy requiring careful management.
• Effective treatments for CIPN are limited, with duloxetine offering symptomatic relief.