Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: the modified total neuropathy score in clinical practice

Remission of corneal and peripheral neuropathy after bariatric surgery in people with diabetes

PURPOSE

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be detected using non-invasive in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea (IVCM) and such abnormalities may precede the development of clinical neuropathy. The current study aimed to assess any progression or remission of corneal and peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing bariatric surgery.

METHODS

People with known type 2 diabetes for at least five years and listed for bariatric surgery were recruited. Participants were assessed before, and 12, 26, and 52 weeks following bariatric surgery. IVCM and corneal sensitivity measurements were performed. A modified total neuropathy score (mTNS) was obtained from neuropathy questionnaire, clinical assessment and biothesiometry.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine participants (M:F, 11:18) with mean BMI of 44.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, and 11 ± 7.6 years duration of diabetes, were assessed. Corneal sub-basal nerve fibre length (CNFL), displayed an increase from a baseline mean of 12.20 ± 1.00 to 17.48 ± 0.92 mm/mm2 at 52 weeks (p < 0.0001). Corneal sensitivity threshold displayed a decrease over time, thus corneal sensitivity improved, falling from a mean of 1.11 ±0 .15 to 0.62 ± 0.11 (mBAR) (p < 0.0001). Clinical neuropathy scores demonstrated significant improvements from baseline, displaying a decrease in average mTNS score from 3.29 ± 0.68 to 0.76 ± 0.30 (p < 0.0001). A significant inverse relationship was shown between CNFL and sensitivity (β coefficient = -0.047, p < 0.001), and CNFL and mTNS (β coefficient = -0.178, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery led to an improvement in metabolic control of diabetes and weight loss, along with improvement in corneal nerve microstructure, corneal sensitivity, and neuropathic symptoms, suggesting a reversal of both small and large fibre neuropathy.

Influence of chemotherapy on postural control and quality of life in women with gynaecological cancer: a protocol of a prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effect of some chemotherapies that can cause postural control disorders and has a serious impact on quality of life (QoL). An enhanced understanding of postural control dysfunction could help build a systematic and accurate assessment as well as specific exercises to limit the impact on QoL. This study aims to assess the influence of chemotherapy on postural control and the QoL for women with gynaecological cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective observational study will include 37 participants with cancer treated using neurotoxic chemotherapy. Their postural control in various conditions (rigid and foam surfaces, eyes open and closed, with and without tendon vibration, and dual tasks), limits of stability, QoL and modified Total Neuropathy Score will be assessed. A linear mixed model will compare postural control pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by an ethical review board in Geneva (CCER-2020-01639). The study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04692168.

The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER trial)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER) was set up with 32 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03391271). Patients were randomized to receive PBM (n = 16) or placebo treatments (n = 16) (2 × /week) during their chemotherapy. The modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Numeric pain Rating Scale (NRS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Taxane (FACT/GOG-Taxane) were used to evaluate the severity of CIPN and the patients' quality of life (QoL). Outcome measures were collected at the first chemotherapy session, 6 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, at the final chemotherapy session, and 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy (follow-up).

RESULTS

The mTNS score increased significantly over time in both the control and the PBM group. A significantly higher score for FACT/GOG-Taxane was observed in the PBM group during chemotherapy compared to the control group. Questions of the FACT/GOG-Taxane related to sensory peripheral neuropathy symptoms showed a significant increase in severeness over time in the control group, whereas they remained constant in the PBM group. At follow-up, a (borderline) significant difference was observed between both groups for the 6MWT and patients' pain level, in benefit of the PBM group.

CONCLUSIONS

This NEUROLASER trial shows promising results concerning the prevention of CIPN with PBM in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a better QoL was observed when treated with PBM.

Preventive effect of sensorimotor exercise and resistance training on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, unpleasant and usually long-lasting side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the preventive potential of sensorimotor- (SMT) and resistance training (RT) on CIPN.

METHODS

Patients (N = 170) were randomised to SMT, RT or usual care (UC). Both exercise groups trained 3×/week for a total of 105 min/week during neurotoxic chemotherapy (mean length: 20 weeks). Before and 3 weeks after neurotoxic chemotherapy, CIPN signs/symptoms were assessed via Total Neuropathy Score (TNSr; primary endpoint) and EORTC QLQ-CIPN15 questionnaire. In addition, balance (centre of pressure), muscle strength (isokinetic), quality of life (QoL, EORTC QLQ-C30) and relative chemotherapy dose intensity (RDI) were investigated. The follow-up period covered 6 months after the end of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analyses (N = 159) revealed no differences regarding CIPN signs/symptoms. Exploratory per-protocol analyses (minimum training attendance rate 67%; N = 89) indicated that subjectively perceived sensory symptoms in the feet increased less during chemotherapy in the adherent exercisers (pooled group: SMT+RT) than in the UC group (-8.3 points (-16.1 to -0.4); P = 0.039, ES = 1.27). Furthermore, adherent exercisers received a higher RDI (96.6 ± 4.8 vs. 92.2 ± 9.4; P = 0.045), showed a better course of muscular strength (+20.8 Nm (11.2-30.4); P < 0.001, ES = 0.57) and QoL (+12.9 points (3.9-21.8); P = 0.005, ES = 0.64). During follow-up, CIPN signs/symptoms persisted in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that SMT and/or RT alleviate subjectively perceived sensory CIPN symptoms in the feet and other clinically relevant cancer therapy-related outcomes, if an appropriate training stimulus is achieved.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02871284.

Ibudilast for prevention of oxaliplatin-induced acute neurotoxicity: a pilot study assessing preliminary efficacy, tolerability and pharmacokinetic interactions in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer

PURPOSE

This prospective, open-label, sequential 'before vs. after' pilot study was conducted to provide preliminary efficacy and tolerability data for ibudilast in the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in patients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer. Any potential impact of ibudilast on oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil pharmacokinetics was also explored.

METHODS

Participants were administered a chemotherapy cycle (FOLFOX or CapeOx), followed by a chemotherapy cycle with co-administration of ibudilast 30 mg b.i.d. p.o. Efficacy was assessed on Day 3 and end of cycle using the Oxaliplatin-Specific Neurotoxicity Scale (OSNS) and additional clinical/patient-reported neurotoxicity measures. A population pharmacokinetic approach was used to determine oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil pharmacokinetics with and without ibudilast.

RESULTS

Sixteen participants consented; 14 completed both chemotherapy cycles. Across all measures, the majority of participants experienced either an improvement or no worsening of neurotoxicity with ibudilast treatment. Based on OSNS assessments, acute neurotoxicity was unchanged in 12/14 participants and improved in 2/14 participants. The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the dose-normalised ratio of oxaliplatin AUC (90% CI 95.0-109%) and 5-fluorouracil AUC (90% CI 66.5-173%) indicated no significant impact of ibudilast on systemic exposure.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study indicated ibudilast co-administration may improve or stabilise oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Given the expected worsening of symptoms in patients with continued chemotherapy, this represents a signal of effect that warrants further investigation. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicates ibudilast has no significant effect on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics, and is unlikely to influence pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration number: UTN U1111-1209-0075 and ANZCTRN12618000232235 (registered 13/02/2018).

Prevalence and Predictors of Cisplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy at the Kenyatta National Hospital

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence, predictors, and/or risk factors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of patients who underwent chemotherapy with cisplatin for at least 2 months at Kenyatta National Hospital oncology units. Peripheral neuropathy was determined by history and physical examination per the protocol. Data are presented in tables. Descriptive inferential statistics such as means, medians, and proportions were determined where applicable.

RESULTS

We recruited 67 patients who were undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin. Fifty-six patients (83.6%) had peripheral neuropathy. Forty-five patients (81%) had mild-grade (grades 1 and 2) peripheral neuropathy. Only two patients (3.1%) had grade 4 neuropathy. Almost all patients who were overweight or obese developed peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral neuropathy among patients receiving cisplatin is quite prevalent at Kenyatta National Hospital (83.6% prevalence rate). However, most of the patients had a mild grade of neuropathy, which is largely consistent with literature elsewhere.

Kinematic evaluation for impairment of skilled hand function in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) usually affects both sensory and motor function of hands and feet, resulting in impaired skilled hand function (e.g., typing a keyboard). However, quantitative and objective evaluations for this condition have not been established.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

We evaluated skilled hand function using a kinematic analysis and investigated relationships among hand kinematic function and the clinical sensory and motor features of CIPN.

STUDY DESIGNS

Clinical measurement.

METHODS

Twelve CIPN patients and 12 age-matched control participants were enrolled. We recorded their reach and grasp movements using a three-dimensional measurement system, and calculated the normalized jerk of these movements as quantitative indexes of skilled hand function. Additionally, we used the number of sequential hand grip-release cycles in 10 seconds as an evaluation of clinical motor function.

RESULTS

Our kinematic analyses revealed significant difference in normalized jerk of grasp movement (CIPN: 3.7 ± 0.2, control: 3.4 ± 0.1; P = .005), but this was not the case for reach movement (CIPN: 2.5 ± 0.1, control: 2.5 ± 0.2; P = .43), indicating that the distal part of the forearm is particularly affected in CIPN. Such disturbed grasp movement was directly correlated with poor scores on the hand grip-release test and the sensory tests.

DISCUSSION

We revealed deficit impaired hand function objectively and quantitatively in CIPN patients using a kinematic analysis. Further, the hand grip test could represent such kinematic abnormality and could be useful for evaluating skilled hand function of CIPN patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our kinematic and clinical measurements objectively and quantitatively evaluate skilled hand function in individuals with CIPN in clinical settings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Cross-sectional observational study.

The Effect of Therapeutic Exercises on Balance, Quality of Life, and Pain in Patients Who Were Receiving Neurotoxic Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lower limb strengthening and balance exercises on balance, quality of life and neuropathic pain of the cancer patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Patients who were planning to receive neurotoxic chemotherapy agents were included in the first group. They were trained before the neurotoxic chemotherapy sessions with the 10-wk home-based exercise program including lower limb strengthening and balance exercises. The second group of patients who had received the third cycle of neurotoxic chemotherapy had no exercise program. Both groups were evaluated after the third cycle. Neurocom Balance Master and Berg Balance Scale were used to evaluate balance. The neuropathic pain was questioned by PainDETECT questionnaire and the quality of life was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Quality of Life Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were admitted to this study. Twenty-four patients were in the exercise group (F = 14, M = 10) and 36 patients were in the control group (F = 17, M = 19). Sociodemographic and clinical data of both groups were similar. Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.005), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Quality of Life Questionnaire global quality of life, physical function, and emotional status were higher, and symptom scores and PainDETECT questionnaire score were lower in the exercise group (P < 0.05). Balance tests were different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening and balance exercises have a valuable effect on balance, quality of life, and neuropathic pain in patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Peripheral Neuropathy, Sensory Processing, and Balance in Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Purpose To compare peripheral nervous system function and balance between adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and matched controls and to determine associations between peripheral neuropathy (PN) and limitations in static balance, mobility, walking endurance, and quality of life (QoL) among survivors. Patients and Methods Three hundred sixty-five adult survivors of childhood ALL and 365 controls with no cancer history completed assessments of PN (modified Total Neuropathy Score [mTNS]), static balance (Sensory Organization Test [SOT]), mobility (Timed Up and Go), walking endurance (6-minute walk test), QoL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey), and visual-motor processing speed (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale). Results PN, but not impairments, in performance on SOT was more common in survivors than controls (41.4% v 9.5%, respectively; P < .001). In multivariable models, higher mTNS scores were associated with longer time to complete the Timed Up and Go (β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.23; P < .001), shorter distance walked in 6 minutes (β = -4.39; 95% CI, -8.63 to -0.14; P = .04), and reduced QoL (β = -1.33; 95% CI, -1.79 to -0.87; P < .001 for physical functioning; β = -1.16; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.67; P < .001 for role physical; and β = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.34 to -0.42; P < .001 for general health). Processing speed (β = 1.69; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.40; P < .001), but not mTNS score, was associated with anterior-posterior sway on the SOT. Conclusion PN in long-term ALL survivors is associated with movement, including mobility and walking endurance, but not with static standing balance. The association between processing speed and sway suggests that static balance impairment in ALL survivors may be influenced by problems with CNS function, including the processing of sensory information.

Peripheral neuropathy in HIV-infected and uninfected patients in Rakai, Uganda

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and functional impairment associated with peripheral neuropathy in a prospective cohort of adults in rural Uganda.

METHODS

Eight hundred participants (400 HIV- and 400 antiretroviral-naive HIV+) in the Rakai Community Cohort Study underwent detailed neurologic evaluations including assessment of neuropathy symptoms, functional measures (Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory and Karnofsky Performance Status scores), and neurologic evaluation by a trained medical officer. Neuropathy was defined as ≥1 subjective symptom and ≥1 sign of neuropathy on examination. Neuropathy risk factors were assessed using log binomial regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-three percent of participants were men, with a mean (SD) age of 35 (8) years. Neuropathy was present in 13% of the cohort and was more common in HIV+ vs HIV- participants (19% vs 7%, p < 0.001). Older age (relative risk [RR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.06), female sex (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04-2.15), HIV infection (RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.86-4.28), tobacco use (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02-2.48), and prior neurotoxic medication use (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.07-4.05) were significant predictors of neuropathy in the overall cohort. Only older age was associated with neuropathy risk in the HIV+ (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and HIV- (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10) cohorts. Neuropathy was associated with impaired functional status on multiple measures across all participant groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral neuropathy is relatively common and associated with impaired functional status among adults in rural Uganda. Older age, female sex, and HIV infection significantly increase the risk of neuropathy. Neuropathy may be an underrecognized but important condition in rural Uganda and warrants further study.

Efficacy and safety of duloxetine in Chinese breast cancer patients with paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Objective

Chemotherapy with paclitaxel is associated with significant neurotoxicity that may offset patients' quality of life and therapeutic benefits. This prospective, non-randomized control study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an antidepressant drug, duloxetine, at 30 or 60 mg/d, in the treatment of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in Chinese breast cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with a median age of 50 (range, 25-60) years, treated in the Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, between November 2014 and January 2017 were finally enrolled. Stratified by baseline characteristics, the patients were classified into two groups, receiving either duloxetine or alternative anti-neurotoxicity drugs. During the course of the paclitaxel regimen, the eligibility criteria included sensory neuropathy, as evaluated by the National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events. The treatment consisted of receiving 30 mg duloxetine (for the first 4 weeks) and 60 mg duloxetine for an additional 8 weeks, or any other anti-neurotoxicity drug daily during the same crossover period. The improvement associated with PIPN from the patient's perspective were assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane (FACT-Tax) Scales, which contained questions scored from 0 to 4 (0, not at all; 4, very much; total score range, 0-44).

Results

Duloxetine was more effective in decreasing PIPN (odds ratio=5.426; 95% confidence interval, 1.898-15.514; P=0.002). Between duloxetine group and control group, the median (25th-75th percentiles) decreasing difference in the FACT-Tax pain score was 4 (2-6) vs. 1 (0-4) (P=0.005).

Conclusions

Duloxetine is a promising and safe option with tolerable toxicity at a dose of 60 mg/d for Chinese breast cancer patients with PIPN. Non-neuropathy adverse events were mild and similar in both groups. The major toxicities of duloxetine included nausea, constipation, somnolence, dizziness and distention of the eyes. Further examination of the benefits of duloxetine in the prevention of PIPN is required.

Glutamine for the treatment of vincristine-induced neuropathy in children and adolescents with cancer

BACKGROUND

Vincristine is an integral treatment component of many childhood tumors with potentially dose-limiting sensory and/or motor neuropathy. Results from a pilot study on the incidence of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) as well as the efficacy and safety of glutamine in reducing signs and symptoms of VIPN in children with cancer are presented.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients between the ages of 5-21 with newly diagnosed leukemia, lymphoma, extracranial solid tumor or medulloblastoma and expected to receive a minimum cumulative dose of 6 mg/m² of vincristine over a 30-week period were eligible. Patients' neurological functioning was monitored every 3 weeks using clinical history, exam, and assessment of motor functioning. Upon identification of neuropathy, patients were randomized to either glutamine (6 g/m² per dose twice daily, maximum 10 g/dose) or placebo for a 3-week period followed by 3-week wash out period (Time 3).

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were fully evaluable and 100 % developed neuropathy per study definitions. No significant differences in demographics or side effects were noted between the randomized groups. The distribution of sensory neuropathy scores between the two groups was statistically significant after the intervention (p = 0.022). Children receiving glutamine also rated their quality of life (QoL) as 8.42 points higher on the PedsQL total score than those receiving placebo (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Glutamine supplementation is well tolerated and associated with improvements in sensory function and self-reported overall quality of life. Future studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy of glutamine for the treatment of vincristine-related sensory neuropathy in pediatric cancer patients.

Challenges Evaluating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Children treated for cancer are exposed to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents with known toxicity to the peripheral nervous system. The side effect of peripheral neuropathy can cause changes in sensation, function, and even cause pain. Although peripheral neuropathy is recognized by pediatric oncology nurses as an important and significant side effect, measuring neuropathy can be quite complex for clinical care and research efforts. With more children surviving a cancer diagnosis today, this issue is increasingly important for childhood cancer survivors. This article has reviewed existing literature examining peripheral neuropathy in childhood cancer survivors with particular interest paid to measurement tools available and needs for future research. It is important for nurses to choose appropriate measures for clinical care and research methods in order to have an impact on patients experiencing this condition.

Prechemotherapy Touch Sensation Deficits Predict Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

We examined the emergence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a dose-limiting toxicity of oxaliplatin, over the course of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Predicting which patients will likely develop CIPN is an ongoing clinical challenge.

METHODS

Oxaliplatin-naïve patients with CRC underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) before beginning oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and then rated CIPN-related symptoms via the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) weekly for 26 weeks. Mixed modeling examined the value of QST for predicting higher CIPN (MDASI numbness/tingling) during treatment. Trajectory analysis identified a patient subgroup with consistently higher CIPN symptoms.

RESULTS

Numbness/tingling was the most frequent, most severe symptom, with 51% of patients clustering into a high CIPN subgroup. Touch sensation deficits (Bumps Detection test) significantly predicted the development of more severe numbness/tingling [estimate (est) = 0.106, p = 0.0003]. The high CIPN subgroup reported increased pain (est = 0.472, p < 0.0001) and interference with walking (est = 0.840, p < 0.0001). In the high CIPN subgroup, patient-reported numbness/tingling worsened rapidly in weeks 0-5 (est = 0.57, p < 0.0001) and then more gradually in weeks 6-26 (est = 0.07, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Prechemotherapy screening with a simple, easily administered objective measure of touch sensation deficits (Bumps Detection test) and monitoring of patient-reported numbness/tingling during the first 2-3 chemotherapy cycles may support improved personalized care of CRC patients with oxaliplatin-induced CIPN.

Effects of a Novel Therapeutic Intervention in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a novel therapeutic intervention called intraneural facilitation on balance measures and a neuropathy scale in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

DESIGN

Prospective pre- and posttest, single group clinical trial.

SETTING

Outpatient physical therapy clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (N=13).

INTERVENTION

Subjects received 10 sessions of intraneural facilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The modified Total Neuropathy Scale, the NeuroCom SMART Balance Master system computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) that includes the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the limits of stability (LOS), and the Activities-specific Balance and Confidence (ABC) scale.

RESULTS

Subjects in this study showed significant improvement in the modified Total Neuropathy Scale, SOT, and 1 component in the LOS test (movement velocity). There were no significant differences in the ABC scale or in 4 components of the LOS test, which were reaction time, end point excursion, maximum excursion, and directional control.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraneural facilitation improved objective balance measures and neuropathy symptoms in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further study is needed to determine long-term benefits of this intervention.

Corneal Confocal Microscopy Detects Small Fibre Neuropathy in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer and Nerve Regeneration in Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

There are multiple neurological complications of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the utility of the novel non-invasive ophthalmic technique of corneal confocal microscopy in identifying neuropathy in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer before and after platinum based chemotherapy. In this study, 21 subjects with upper gastrointestinal (oesophageal or gastric) cancer and 21 healthy control subjects underwent assessment of neuropathy using the neuropathy disability score, quantitative sensory testing for vibration perception threshold, warm and cold sensation thresholds, cold and heat induced pain thresholds, nerve conduction studies and corneal confocal microscopy. Patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer had higher heat induced pain (P = 0.04) and warm sensation (P = 0.03) thresholds with a significantly reduced sural sensory (P<0.01) and peroneal motor (P<0.01) nerve conduction velocity, corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD) and nerve fibre length (CNFL) (P<0.0001). Furthermore, CNFD correlated significantly with the time from presentation with symptoms to commencing chemotherapy (r = -0.54, P = 0.02), and CNFL (r = -0.8, P<0.0001) and CNBD (r = 0.63, P = 0.003) were related to the severity of lymph node involvement. After the 3^rd cycle of chemotherapy, there was no change in any measure of neuropathy, except for a significant increase in CNFL (P = 0.003). Corneal confocal microscopy detects a small fibre neuropathy in this cohort of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer, which was related to disease severity. Furthermore, the increase in CNFL after the chemotherapy may indicate nerve regeneration.

Measuring Therapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Preliminary Development and Validation of the Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale

Various sensory and motor effects are associated with cancer treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy. The current method for capturing the multifaceted nature of neuropathy includes a combination of objective tests, clinician evaluation, and subjective patient report, an approach that is often not logistically feasible, especially for multisite trials. We report the performance of a brief yet comprehensive, easily administered measure, the Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale (TNAS), for assessing the severity and course of neuropathy across various cancer treatments. Data were derived from 4 longitudinal or cross-sectional patient cohorts (N = 573). Patients with multiple myeloma treated primarily with bortezomib and patients with colorectal cancer receiving oxaliplatin evaluated candidate items. Cognitive debriefing showed that all items were easy to understand, and this preliminary TNAS demonstrated reliability, validity, and sensitivity. Numbness/tingling was the most severe item, regardless of therapeutic agent. Although numbness and general pain were moderately correlated, patients perceived them as distinct. Most TNAS items were more severe at follow-up, demonstrating the sensitivity of the instrument to accumulating dose. The TNAS will be refined with further patient input, with final psychometric evaluation conducted in a new patient sample receiving treatments known to be associated with peripheral neuropathy. The nonpainful component of neuropathy may be more disabling than the pain component.

PERSPECTIVE

Our data suggest that the nonpainful components of neuropathy may be more disabling than the pain component during cancer treatment. Here we report data on sensory and motor symptoms reported by patients receiving neurotoxic cancer therapy, and we detail the development of a neuropathy assessment scale that follows regulatory guidance for patient-reported outcomes.