Chemotherapy-related trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves neurotoxicity: a cohort study

The association between orofacial neurotoxicity and chemotherapy treatment is still unclear. In this context, the purpose of this study is to relate the orofacial alterations that manifest during antineoplastic pharmacological treatment, highlighting the drugs commonly related to orofacial neuropathy and the adequate instrument to verify the alterations at clinical levels.

This prospective cohort study, addressed patients who would start therapy with taxanes, platinum, or related therapy. The collection of signs and symptoms was divided into 3 different times (baseline, second or third cycle of antineoplastic chemotherapy treatment, and sixth cycle). A total of 40 patients were submitted to the application of the Short McGill pain questionnaire and Neutoxicity Induced by Antineoplastics questionnaire (QNIA). To verify sensory alterations in the face, a clinical evaluation was performed with the help of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.

Taxanes show greater orofacial neurotoxic potential, being associated with sensory alterations assessed by monofilaments (P = .003) and the presence of orofacial pain analyzed by the Short McGill pain questionnaire (P = .001). These medications related to neuropathy in the orofacial region measured through the QNIA, demonstrating a predominantly acute nature (P < .001).

It is suggested that chemotherapy may induce neurotoxicity in the orofacial region.