Update on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

The purpose of this study was to briefly discuss chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and detail the most important and most recent chemotherapeutic agents implicated. This review will examine neuropathy mechanisms, risk factors, and clinical patterns; novel and prospective drugs with similar effects that are less well known to neurologists are discussed.

CIPN is increasingly recognized for its clinical importance and effect on patient quality of life. Identification of risk factors is ongoing and may enable future risk stratification. Newer classes of agents and new members of existing classes are continually recognized, notably immune check point inhibitors, other monoclonal antibody treatments, novel immunomodulatory agents, and proteasome inhibitors. Advances regarding established classes including taxanes, platins, and vinca alkaloids are also reviewed. CIPN is an important often dose-limiting toxicity. Multiple agents cause neuropathy; various clinical patterns are described. Future studies should aim at improved understanding of toxicity mechanisms and development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.