Overview

Certain drugs used in chemotherapy and other cancer treatment has a damaging effect on the nerves supplying both the extremities. The peripheral nerves carry the message from the brain and spinal cords to the hands and legs.

Peripheral neuropathy caused due to chemotherapy is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Apart from chemotherapy other factors causing peripheral neuropathy are –

• Cancer treatment such as surgery and radiation therapy
• A tumor pressing the nerves
• Injury to the spinal cord
• Deficiency of vitamin B
• Certain autoimmune disorder
• Diabetes
• Shingles

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy range from mild to severe and may appear during or after the treatment. The symptoms may be temporary or permanent.

Various symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend upon the nerves damaged. The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are –

• Numbness
• Pain and tingling sensation in hands and legs
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Lack of mobility
• Weakness in the muscles
• Disrupted balance
• Loss of fine motor skills

Peripheral neuropathy related to cancer treatment can affect anyone. However, the symptoms of neuropathy become worse if the patient is diabetic, malnourished, alcoholic, or any prior history of neuropathy.

Report the symptoms to your doctor for better management. Peripheral neuropathy as a result of certain treatments gradually disappears with time. Some may recover in months or years and in some, the problem persists forever.

Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy

Consult your oncologist and report the symptoms of any other medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend you to undergo the neurophysiologic test.

Electromyography, the study of nerve conduction, and the sensory test is used to examine the function of peripheral nerves.

An imaging test is used to diagnose the cause of nerve damage.

Common chemotherapy drugs causing peripheral neuropathy

Some of the common chemotherapy drugs that cause peripheral neuropathy are-

• Platinum drugs (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin)
• Proteasome inhibitors (Velcade, Kyprolis, Ninlaro)
• Plant alkaloids (Vinblastine, Vincristine, Etoposide, Vinorelbine)
• Immunomodulating drugs (Thalomid, Revlimid, Pomalyst)

Ways to cope up with peripheral neuropathy

• The first step is to report the symptoms to your healthcare provider
• Protect your hands and feet from extreme temperature
• Keep a check on your hands and feet for any sores
• Avoid prolonged standing
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Get sufficient sleep
• Pain management
• Complementary therapies such as massage, acupressure, etc

Peripheral neuropathy requires detailed evaluation especially in cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. There are many safe and effective ways to manage peripheral neuropathy.

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp
Related Articles