Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (Cipn) in Pediatric Oncology: Prevalence and Impact on Post-Treatment Quality of Life

Background: While survival has considerably improved in paediatric oncology, the neurotoxicity of treatments compromise functional prognosis. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an under-rated adverse effect in clinical practice. CIPN is even more difficult to assess in paediatrics. Objectives was to describe the prevalence of CIPN at the end of oncological treatment in children, and to observe the impact on quality of life (QoL). Procedure: A retrospective, observational, monocentric analysis at end-of-treatment oncology assessment was performed in a paediatric haematology-oncology department. We reported the prevalence of CIPN, neuropathic pain, global health assessment and QoL in patients with haematologic malignancies or cancer before the age of 15, exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies, over the period July 2021 to July 2022. Results: We included 23 patients. 30.4% had symptoms of CIPN at the end of oncological treatment. Of these, 54.1% had neuropathic pain; overall, QoL was compromised (PedsQL median: 60% versus 77% for those without CIPN), with preferential impairment in the "physical health", "emotional functioning" and "school functioning" spheres. Conclusions: During oncology course, CIPN is a common adverse effect in the paediatric population. It may persist at the end of treatment, and it is a cause of chronic pain. Therefore, CIPN has a significant negative effect on patients' QoL.