A simple method of quantifying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using PainVision PS-2100^®

This study aimed to validate a simplified method of quantifying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using the PainVision PS-2100^® (PV) electrical perception system.

We assessed patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or peritoneal cancer and were about to undergo first-time paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed before and after chemotherapy administration in all patients according to the National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 (NCI-CTCAE4.0), using a conventional assessment in combination with the PV system. The PV device comprises electrodes attached to the ulnar side of the forearm and the first joint of index fingers on both the left and right sides to measure the electrical perceptual threshold. The average of three threshold measurements was recorded for each patient.

Thirty female patients (age 51.6 ± 12.2 [mean ± SD]) were included, and median number of chemotherapy drug treatments was 5 (first quartile: 4, second quartile: 5, and third quartile: 5). Twenty-seven patients (90%) reported posttreatment numbness; NCI-CTCAE4.0 perceptual anomaly grades were as follows: G1, 57 (40%); G2, 19 (13%); and G3, 7 (5%). A positive correlation was identified between right medial side PV threshold score and perceptual anomaly grade on measurements of the inner right-hand side only.

Our preliminary results suggest that peripheral neuropathy may be quantified using PV. As CIPN often lowers QOL, it needs to be appropriately evaluated. Future studies with a larger patient cohort and methodological refinements to improve accuracy are warranted.