Epidemiology and clinical significance of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy

Objectives Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant adverse effect of neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cisplatin. CIPN can impair sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, severely reducing patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CIPN in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, focusing on its relationship with chemotherapy regimens, onset timing, and patient characteristics. Material and Methods This cross-sectional observational study included 218 cancer patients at Shree Krishna Hospital, Gujarat. Patients were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire in three phases: pre-chemotherapy, mid-therapy, and post-treatment. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess CIPN prevalence by chemotherapy drug, cancer type, and treatment cycle. Results The overall CIPN prevalence was 19.1%. Paclitaxel-treated patients had the highest prevalence at 34.6%. CIPN was more common in females (25%) than males (13.33%). Breast cancer patients had the highest CIPN prevalence at 34.6%, followed by esophageal cancer patients (21.4%), and oral cavity cancer patients (13.3%). CIPN symptoms often began mid-therapy (14.6%) and persisted post-treatment (15.7%). Paclitaxel was significantly associated with a higher risk of CIPN. Conclusion CIPN is prevalent among patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy agents, particularly paclitaxel. Early detection and management strategies are critical to prevent chronic neuropathy and improve quality of life. Future studies should explore interventions to reduce CIPN without compromising chemotherapy efficacy, with significant implications for physiotherapy rehabilitation.