Risk factors and interrelationships of taxane-related peripheral neuropathy: a Bayesian network analysis

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients treated with taxane-based chemotherapy and the interrelationships between these factors, providing a reference for targeted interventions.

A total of 350 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Tangshan People's Hospital were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Fried Frailty Phenotype. The study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and the interrelationships among these factors.

The incidence of CIPN was 79.1%. Age, chemotherapy regimen, hypertension, depression, BMI, frailty, sleep quality, healthy lifestyle, social support, and physical activity were significant predictors (P < 0.05). Bayesian network analysis showed age, BMI, hypertension, depression, and chemotherapy regimen were directly linked to CIPN. Other factors influenced CIPN indirectly. The highest risk (96.88%) occurred in patients > 50 years, with BMI > 25, depression, hypertension, and ≥ 4 chemotherapy cycles.

The incidence of peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients treated with taxane-based chemotherapy is high. Healthcare providers should focus on high-risk populations for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive interventions are essential to reduce the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.