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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
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Published on: April 26, 2012

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Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with cancer: A systematic review

Mirjam E van de Velde1, Gertjan L Kaspers2, Floor C H Abbink1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|May 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in children is a significant concern. This review identifies patient factors, VCR dose, and genetics influencing VIPN, aiming for safer, personalized chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vincristine (VCR) is a crucial chemotherapy agent for pediatric cancers.
  • Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is a common, dose-limiting side effect impacting children's quality of life.
  • The precise mechanisms and contributing factors of VIPN in pediatric populations remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on factors influencing VIPN development in children.
  • To identify patient characteristics, treatment variables, and genetic predispositions associated with VIPN.
  • To evaluate current methods for assessing VIPN in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of 28 publications.
  • Analysis of studies examining patient demographics, VCR dosage and administration, pharmacokinetics, and genetic factors.
  • Assessment of tools used for VIPN evaluation in children.

Main Results:

  • Factors associated with increased VIPN risk include Caucasian race, higher VCR dose, and older age; however, findings for age and clearance were conflicting.
  • Specific genetic pathways implicated in VIPN development were identified.
  • Significant heterogeneity in VIPN assessment tools hinders cross-study comparability.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the multifactorial influences on VIPN in children is essential for optimizing VCR therapy.
  • Personalized VCR treatment strategies, informed by patient-specific factors, can enhance efficacy and minimize neurotoxicity.
  • Standardization of VIPN assessment tools is needed to improve research consistency and clinical management.

Keywords:
ChemotherapeuticNeurotoxicityOncologyPediatricsPeripheral neuropathyVincristine

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