CRC Survivors Face Long-term Neuropathy
CRC Survivors Face Long-term Neuropathy
Mols F, Beijers T, Lemmens V, van den Hurk CJ, Vreugdenhil G, van de Poll-Franse LV
J Clin Oncol. 2013;31:2699-2707
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely believed to be reversible. In this study, the investigators surveyed a population-based sample of 1643 CRC survivors using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20. The 5 neuropathy subscale-related symptoms that bothered patients with CRC the most were erectile problems (42% of men), trouble hearing (11%), trouble opening jars or bottles (11%), tingling toes or feet (10%), and trouble walking stairs or standing up (9%).
Compared with patients not receiving chemotherapy, those treated with oxaliplatin more often reported tingling (29% vs 8%; P = .001), numbness (17% vs 5%; P = .005), and aching or burning pain in the toes or feet (13% vs 6%; P = .03). These symptoms affected patients' quality of life.
The prevalence rate of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy varies and is not well understood. In some adjuvant therapy trials, 2-year rates of persistent neuropathy were 20%-30%.
This study demonstrates that sensory symptoms in particular can persist for years after receipt of chemotherapy (up to 11 years in this study). Unfortunately, no current treatments are available specifically for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, and new supportive care approaches directed at both treatment and prevention are urgently needed.
Abstract
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy and Its Association With Quality of Life Among 2- to 11-Year Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Results From the Population-Based PROFILES Registry
Mols F, Beijers T, Lemmens V, van den Hurk CJ, Vreugdenhil G, van de Poll-Franse LV
J Clin Oncol. 2013;31:2699-2707
Study Summary
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely believed to be reversible. In this study, the investigators surveyed a population-based sample of 1643 CRC survivors using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20. The 5 neuropathy subscale-related symptoms that bothered patients with CRC the most were erectile problems (42% of men), trouble hearing (11%), trouble opening jars or bottles (11%), tingling toes or feet (10%), and trouble walking stairs or standing up (9%).
Compared with patients not receiving chemotherapy, those treated with oxaliplatin more often reported tingling (29% vs 8%; P = .001), numbness (17% vs 5%; P = .005), and aching or burning pain in the toes or feet (13% vs 6%; P = .03). These symptoms affected patients' quality of life.
Viewpoint
The prevalence rate of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy varies and is not well understood. In some adjuvant therapy trials, 2-year rates of persistent neuropathy were 20%-30%.
This study demonstrates that sensory symptoms in particular can persist for years after receipt of chemotherapy (up to 11 years in this study). Unfortunately, no current treatments are available specifically for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, and new supportive care approaches directed at both treatment and prevention are urgently needed.
Abstract
