Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer survivors: a comparison of patient-reported outcomes and quantitative sensory testing

CIPN is a common, debilitating, and dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy. Here, we describe characteristics of patients with CIPN using both patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Breast cancer survivors with persistent moderate to severe CIPN defined by a rating of 4 or greater on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from two ongoing clinical trials were included. PROs included the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gynecologic Oncology Group/Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx). QST included tactile and vibration detection threshold measurements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficients.

49 female patients with a mean age of 61 years were assessed; 63% were Caucasian. Mean NRS scores were 4.2, 5.7, and 4.3 on 0-10 scale for pain, numbness, and tingling, respectively. Mean NPS score was 41.0 on a 0-100 scale, and the mean FACT/GOG-Ntx score was 25.8 on a 0-44 scale. QST showed mild to moderate impairments in tactile and vibration perception. The FACT/GOG-Ntx subscale for numbness was negatively correlated with tactile and vibration thresholds in both hands and feet (both p < 0.05). NPS was positively correlated with tactile thresholds in the hands and feet (p < 0.05).

Patients with moderate to severe CIPN report moderate pain, numbness, and tingling, and exhibit reduced tactile and vibration perception on QST. Weak to moderate correlations were observed between PRO and QST. These data suggest that QST outcomes are associated with CIPN symptoms and may be useful in helping monitor and manage CIPN treatment.