Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and colo-rectal cancer patient’s quality of life: Practical lessons from a prospective cross-sectional, real-world study

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one the most common forms of cancer in both sexes. Due to important progress in the field of early detection and effective treatment, colon and rectal cancer survivors currently account for 10% of cancer survivors worldwide. However, the effects of anti-cancer treatments, especially oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, on the quality of life (QoL) have been less evaluated. Although the incidence of severe chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) in clinical studies is below 20%, data from real-world studies is scarce, and CIPN is probably under-reported due to patient selection and the patients' fear that reporting side-effects might lead to treatment cessation. AIM: To determine the impact of CIPN on QoL in colorectal cancer patients with a recent history of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. METHODS: those that completed the recommended course. RESULTS: 24.33 mo in patients that discontinued chemotherapy due to toxicity, a difference that did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: CIPN significantly impacts QoL in colorectal cancer patients. CIPN is also the most frequent reason for treatment discontinuation. Physicians should actively assess for CIPN in order to prevent chronic neuropathy.