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An Overview of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Department of Pharmacy Services, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, jmurillo@ tmhs.org

James E. Cox, PharmD

Department of Pharmacy Services, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas

Michael S. Oholendt, PharmD, BCOP

Department of Pharmacy Services, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas

Peripheral neuropathy remains a major limitation of chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment. This neurologic complication from chemotherapy occurs frequently and can be debilitating. Although difficult to predict, both chemotherapeutic and patient-specific risk factors may contribute to this adverse event. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may appear acutely after treatment or persist chronically upon drug discontinuation. The taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and immunomodulatory drugs commonly cause peripheral nervous system toxicity. Prompt recognition and evaluation of this neurological adverse event by those who provide care to patients with cancer can prove to have a positive impact on the quality of life of those patients.

Key Words: Chemotherapy • neurotoxicity • neuropathy • peripheral • adverse events

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