Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: A multifaceted, still unsolved issue

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a significant dose-limiting side effect of various chemotherapy agents.
• CIPN can be caused by classical anticancer drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and antibody drug conjugates.
• Current understanding of CIPN pathophysiology, patient risk, long-term effects, economic burden, and healthcare specialist management remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the multifaceted profile of CIPN.
• To emphasize the need for improved outcome measures for accurate CIPN evaluation.
• To ascertain differences in incidence, risk factors, clinical phenotype, and management across different neurotoxic chemotherapy classes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CIPN.
• Analysis of data on patient exposure and long-term outcomes.
• Comparative assessment of CIPN across various chemotherapy classes.

Main Results:

• CIPN affects a substantial number of patients, with long-term consequences on quality of life.
• There is a considerable economic burden associated with both acute and chronic CIPN.
• Variations exist in CIPN incidence, risk factors, and clinical presentation depending on the chemotherapy agent used.

Conclusions:

• CIPN remains a challenging research area with numerous unresolved issues.
• Optimized outcome measures are crucial for accurate CIPN assessment and management.
• Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in CIPN pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment strategies.