Association Between Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Neurology

Background:

• Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common, debilitating complication following rectal cancer surgery.
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect of platinum-based chemotherapy used in rectal cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between CIPN and LARS in rectal cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients who underwent low anterior resection and received systemic therapy.
• Patients were contacted at least six months post-surgery and completed phone or email surveys.

Main Results:

• Out of 42 patients, 79% experienced major LARS.
• CIPN was independently associated with LARS (p=0.046) after controlling for neoadjuvant chemoradiation, diverting ileostomy, and tumor distance.
• A diverting ileostomy was the only significant characteristic differentiating patients with and without major LARS.

Conclusions:

• Severe CIPN is associated with the development of LARS.
• Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.