Grading of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Validity of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Evaluating Nerve Damage Following Chemotherapy

Importance

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a substantial adverse effect of anticancer treatments. As such, the assessment of CIPN remains critically important in both research and clinic settings.

Objective

To compare the validity of various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with neurophysiological and sensory functional measures as the optimal method of CIPN assessment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study evaluated participants treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy across 2 cohorts using a dual-study design. Participants commencing treatment were assessed prospectively at beginning of neurotoxic treatment, midtreatment, and at the end of treatment. Participants who completed treatment up to 5 years prior were assessed cross-sectionally and completed a single assessment time point. Participants were recruited from oncology centers in Australia from August 2015 to November 2022. Data analysis occurred from February to November 2023.

Exposures

Neurotoxic cancer treatment including taxanes, platinums, vinca-alkaloids, proteasome inhibitors, and thalidomide.

Main Outcomes and Measures

CIPN was assessed via PROMs (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC-CIPN20], Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecological Cancer Group Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (FACT/GOG-Ntx), and the patient-reported outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [PRO-CTCAE]), neurological and neurophysiological assessment (Total Neuropathy Score and sural and tibial compound nerve amplitudes), and sensory measures (Grating orientation, Von Frey monofilament, and 2-point discrimination tasks). Core measurement properties of CIPN outcome measures were evaluated. Convergent and known-groups validity was assessed cross-sectionally following treatment completion, and responsiveness was evaluated prospectively during treatment. Neurological, neurophysiological, and sensory outcome measure scores were compared between those who reported high and low levels of CIPN symptoms using linear regressions.

Results

A total of 1033 participants (median [IQR] age, 61 [50-59] years; 676 female [65.4%]) were recruited to this study, incorporating 1623 assessments. PROMs demonstrated best ability to accurately assess CIPN (convergent validity), especially the PRO-CTCAE composite score (r = 0.85; P < .001) and EORTC-CIPN20 (r = 0.79; P < .001). PROMS also demonstrated the best ability to discriminate between CIPN severity (known-groups validity) and to detect changes at onset of CIPN development (responsiveness), especially for EORTC-CIPN20 (d = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52-0.83), FACT/GOG-Ntx (d = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.81) and the PRO-CTCAE (d = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.64-1.02). Other measures did not achieve threshold for convergent validity (α < 0.7). Neurophysiological and sensory measures did not demonstrate acceptable responsiveness. In regression models, neurological, neurophysiological, and sensory outcome measures were significantly impaired in participants who reported high levels of CIPN symptoms compared with those who reported low levels of CIPN symptoms.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 1033 cancer patients, PROMs were the only measures to satisfy all 3 core measurement property criteria (convergent validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness). These findings suggest that adoption of PROMs in clinical practice can equip clinicians with valuable information in assessing CIPN morbidity.

Photobiomodulation in the treatment of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia: a randomised controlled clinical study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Hand-foot syndrome, also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), is a complication caused by chemotherapy. Clinically, it manifests as erythema and oedema on the palms of the hands and feet, dry and scaly skin, accompanied by a sensation of tightness and pain. Extreme cases have blisters and ulcerations that may require hospitalisation and/or pause in cancer treatment. It can also be accompanied by paraesthesia. Considering the characteristics, photobiomodulation (PBM) may reduce the PPE effects. The objective of this protocol will be to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in reducing PPE induced by capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a randomised controlled, double-blind, double-centre clinical trial (Centro Asistencial del Sindicato Médico del Uruguay and Instituto Nacional del Cáncer from Uruguay). The sample population (40 individuals) will be divided into two groups: group 1 will receive moisturising cream plus PBM treatment and group 2 moisturising cream plus PBM sham treatment, at the ratio of 1:1. PBM will be performed at 630 nm two times per week in palmoplantar areas of the hands and feet (4 J/cm2), for 4 weeks. The PPE degree and the data referring to the chemotherapy treatment plan will be measured, prior to the start of treatment in the middle and at the end of it. Quality of life questionnaires will be applied at the beginning of the trial and at the end of treatment. The data will be analysed based on the intention-to-treat analysis and α<0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universidad Católica del Uruguay (220316b), of Centro Asistencial del Sindicato Médico del Uruguay (221989) and of Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (2023-04). The recruitment has already started (March 2023).

PROTOCOL VERSION

V.2, 27 October 2023.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05337423).

Efficacy of a rehabilitation program using minor muscles in colorectal cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: preliminary study

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the common reasons that colorectal cancer patients cannot maintain their routine chemotherapy schedules. Some medications are used for pain relief; however, the effect of medication is disappointing. We carried out this study to confirm that a rehabilitation program using minor muscles might provide a valuable aid in symptom relief of CIPN.

Methods

Eleven colorectal cancer patients participated in the basic craftwork program which encouraged the use of the minor muscles of the hands to make and decorate the handicrafts and it was held for 2 hours once a week, for a total of four times. There were no limitations in the stage of cancer or types of chemotherapy to participate the program. Questionnaires were obtained from participants before and after the basic handicrafts program.

Results

Of the 11 patients (3 men, 8 women; mean age, 53.0±11.2 years), six received 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy, four received FOLFOX4 (combination of 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy, and one received 5-FU, FOLFOX4, and FOLFIRI (combination of 5-FU, leucovorin, and irinotecan) chemotherapy sequentially. Patients attended the program a mean of 3.8±0.4 times. Common symptoms of CIPN were "throbbing pain," "aching pain," and "numbness." The mean score of the questionnaires between pre- and post-program was 34.1±31.7 points and 24.4±21.5 points each, and it was significantly decreased (P=0.040).

Conclusion

Patients often suffered from CIPN symptoms like throbbing or aching pain and numbness during their adjuvant chemotherapy. A rehabilitation program using minor muscles for CIPN is expected to be effective.

High-Dose Gabapentin and Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Refractory Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in a Toddler

Pharmacologic management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in pediatric patients remains a challenge. Without effective treatment to control pain from CIPN in children, reduction or discontinuation of life-saving chemotherapeutic medications may be required. Various combinations of medications are available, but none have been thoroughly evaluated for their effectiveness in managing CIPN in the pediatric population. We present the clinical management of severe CIPN in a 3-year-old child with pre-B acute lymphoblastic lymphoma that was refractory to a regiment that included high-dose gabapentin and opioids. Therapy was subsequently adjusted to include amitriptyline, eliminating the need for opioids with complete resolution of symptoms. The potential combination pharmacotherapies for pediatric CIPN are discussed and mechanisms accounting for inadequate response with monotherapy are presented.

Acupuncture Relieved Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a disabling side effect caused by neurotoxic chemotherapy. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on CIPN. Twenty eligible breast cancer patients receiving taxane chemotherapy treatment were recruited and randomly divided into verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. Each group received 15 treatments over 9 weeks. Quantitative tactile detection thresholds were measured using Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing (SWM). The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx), and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) were measured before and after treatment. The between-group comparison of SWM revealed that the verum acupuncture group had more improvement of touch perception thresholds compared to the sham acupuncture group. The average pain severity in the BPI-SF of the verum acupuncture group was significantly lower than that of the sham acupuncture group. There were no significant differences in the FACT/GOG-Ntx trial outcome index and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the acupuncture and sham groups. The results suggest that acupuncture can alleviate the neuropathic pain of CIPN and improve touch perception thresholds.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of high-dose selenium for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer: study protocol for a phase III, double-blind, randomized study

Background

The second-line chemotherapy using paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab for treating platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer frequently cause chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which is significantly associated with deterioration of quality of life. Despite the potential of some agents to prevent and treat CIPN, and there is still a lack of evidence of the effect. Although selenium has been suggested as an antioxidant candidate to prevent CIPN, there are insufficient data regarding its effect due to its low dose by oral administration. Thus, we hypothesized intravenous administration of high-dose selenium (2,000 µg/day) at each cycle of the second-line chemotherapy would prevent and reduce CIPN in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer.

Method

This trial is an investigator-initiated, phase III, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of high-dose selenium (2,000 µg/day) for preventing CIPN in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer who receive paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab. A total of 68 patients will be randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups at a 1:1 ratio. As the primary endpoint, the incidence rate of CIPN three months after six cycles of chemotherapy will be compared between the two groups according to the combined criteria of neuropathy using the World Health Organization-CIPN criteria and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. As secondary endpoints, we will compare adverse events, patient-reported quality of life, and requirement of concomitant drugs for reducing CIPN between the two groups.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04201561

Blood molecular biomarkers for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: From preclinical models to clinical practice

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has long been recognized as a clinically significant issue in patients treated with antineoplastic drugs. This common long-term toxic side-effect which negatively impacts the outcome of the disease can lead to disability and have detrimental effects on patients' quality of life. Since axonal injury is a prominent feature of CIPN, responsible for several sensory symptoms, including pain, sensory loss and hypersensitivity to mechanical and/or cold stimuli in the hands and feet, neurophysiological assessments remain the gold standard for clinical diagnosis of CIPN. Given the large impact of CIPN on cancer patients, there is increasing emphasis on biomarkers of adverse outcomes in safety assessment and translational research, to prevent permanent neuroaxonal damage. Since the results on reliable blood molecular markers for axonal degeneration are still controversial, here we provide a brief overview of blood molecular biomarkers used for assessing and/or predicting CIPN in preclinical and clinical settings.

Genetic variation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth genes contributes to sensitivity to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Aim: This study explored whether inherited variants in genes causing the hereditary neuropathy condition Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are associated with sensitivity to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Patients & methods: Hereditary neuropathy genes previously associated with risk of paclitaxel-induced PN were sequenced in paclitaxel-treated patients. Eight putative genetic predictors in five hereditary neuropathy genes (ARHGEF10, SBF2, FGD4, FZD3 and NXN) were tested for association with PN sensitivity after accounting for systemic exposure and clinical variables. Results: FZD3 rs7833751, a proxy for rs7001034, decreased PN sensitivity (additive model, β = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.17; p = 0.0011). None of the other genetic predictors were associated with PN sensitivity. Conclusion: Our results support prior evidence that FZD3 rs7001034 is protective of PN and may be useful for individualizing paclitaxel treatment to prevent PN.

Phase II multi-institutional prospective trial of nab-paclitaxel as second-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer refractory to fluoropyrimidine with modified dose reduction criteria (CCOG1303)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel as second-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer with modified dose reduction criteria by which the doses were manipulated earlier.

METHODS

Gastric cancer patients who developed progression during the fluoropyrimidine-containing first-line chemotherapy were assigned to receive nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m²) by triweekly administration. Dose reduction was regulated according to predefined toxicity criteria which included neutropenia less than 1000/mm³ and/or peripheral sensory neuropathy of grade 2 or more. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients were enrolled, 47 of whom were eligible for efficacy analyses. The median number of treatment cycles and relative dose intensity given per patient was four (range 1-25), and 90% (range 60-100). Of total administration throughout the trial of 280 cycles, dose reduction was required in 50 cycles. The median progression-free survival was 3.5 months (95% confidence interval 2.5-4.4) that met the primary endpoint. The median overall survival was 9.0 months (95% confidence interval 6.8-11.8), overall response rate was 16% (95% confidence interval 2-30), and disease control rate was 72% (95% confidence interval 54-90). The median time to treatment failure was 3.5 months (95% confidence interval 2.5-4.4). Adverse events of grade 3 or worse included neutropenia in 49%, and peripheral sensory neuropathy in 11%. Febrile neutropenia occurred only in one patient (2%).

CONCLUSION

The modified dose reduction criteria for triweekly administration of nab-paclitaxel resulted in decreased incidence of severe peripheral sensory neuropathy without decline in efficacy.

Economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in Hong Kong.

METHODS

A within trial cost-utility analysis with the primary endpoint for the economic evaluation being the Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) and associated Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) over 14 weeks of treatment. A secondary cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken with the endpoint being change in pain as measured on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were randomised to acupuncture or usual care. Acupuncture resulted in significant improvements in pain intensity (8- and 14-week mean changes compared to usual care of -1.8 and -1.8, respectively), pain interference (8- and 14-week mean changes compared to usual care of -1.5 and -0.9, respectively) and indicators of quality of life and neurotoxicity-related symptoms. However, in the economic evaluation there was little difference in QALYs between the two arms (mean change 0.209 and 0.200 in the acupuncture and usual care arms, respectively). Also, costs yielded deterministic ICERs of HK$616,965.62, HK$824,083.44 and HK$540,727.56 per QALY gained from the health care provider perspective, the societal perspective and the patient perspective, respectively. These costs are significantly higher than the cost-effectiveness threshold of HK$180,450 that was used for the base case analysis.

CONCLUSION

While acupuncture can improve symptoms and quality of life indicators related to CIPN, it is unlikely to be a cost-effective treatment for CIPN-related pain in health care systems with limited resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02553863 (ClinicalTrials.gov) post-results.

Role of Pregabalin in Treatment of Polyneuropathy in Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Polyneuropathy (PN) is a frequent and significant clinical manifestation of multiple myeloma that may be observed at onset of disease or induced during treatment as a therapy-related complication. Polyneuropathy may be a relevant issue in myeloma patients owing to its significant impact on the quality of life, considering that it may lead to dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. The present retrospective study intended to evaluate efficacy of pregabalin (PGB) in treatment of PN in multiple myeloma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical charts of 108 consecutive PN myeloma patients were reviewed. Data regarding the tumor history and therapy as well as the clinical and neurophysiological examinations 6 months before and after initiation of PGB therapy were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight medical charts had all the requested information. All patients (n = 38) underwent bortezomib-based treatment; 19 were previously treated and 19 were treatment naive. At first neurologic visit, all patients had PN symptoms (grade 2 of National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria) without relevant pain. Neurophysiological evaluation showed a significant decrease in sensory nerve action potential amplitude (P = 0.006), conduction velocity (P = 0.006), and distal latency (P = 0.03) of sensory nerves between the first and the last neurological examination, in all patient population. Similar results were observed in treatment-naive patients, when the study cohort was stratified according to previous treatment. On the contrary, no significant differences were found between the first and the last neurophysiological follow-up evaluation in previously treated patients. Six months after PGB treatment, all patients reported disappearance of neurological symptoms (grade 0 National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, improvement in neurological symptoms during PGB therapy was observed in the total population, despite the presence of a distal, sensory axonal neuropathy, as evidenced by neurophysiological examination.

Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a common and bothersome toxicity. This study aimed to determine the incidence and severity of TIPN in patients with breast cancer and to investigate the relationship between TIPN and quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 82 breast cancer patients with TIPN symptoms were included in this study. The criteria of National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE v4.03) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30, version 3.0) were used to evaluate grading of sensory neuropathy and quality of life, respectively. Analysis of the data was done by IBM SPSS statistics version 23.

RESULTS

A total of 346 patients received taxane-based chemotherapy and 82 patients (23.7%) experience TIPN. The mean (SD) global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, and pain subscales were 60.63 (5.26), 80.64 (9.05), 81.77 (10.41), and 43.88 (11.27), respectively. There were significant negative correlations between global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, and role functioning subscales with the grade of neuropathy (r = -0.33, -0.80, and -0.61, respectively) and positive correlation between pain subscale and the grade of neuropathy (r = 0.70).

CONCLUSION

This study shows a clear association between TIPN and worsened quality of life. These findings emphasize on detecting and management of TIPN in an effort to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

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.

A Randomized Assessor-Blinded Wait-List-Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a complex side effect with few available treatment options. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of an 8-week course of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients who were receiving or had received neurotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: Randomized assessor-blinded controlled trial with 2 arms; one arm received acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the other arm was a wait-list control group receiving only standard care. Primary outcome was pain intensity and interference over the past week using the Brief Pain Inventory at the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included clinical assessment (CTCAE [Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events] grading and Total Neuropathy Score–Clinical Version) and nerve conduction studies; and patient-reported outcome measures (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity Quality of Life scale and Symptom Distress Scale) assessed at baseline, end of treatment (8 weeks), week 14, and week 20 from the beginning of treatment. Results: Eighty-seven patients were randomized to the experimental arm (n = 44) and to the standard care wait-list control arm (n = 43). Significant changes at 8 weeks were detected in relation to primary outcome (pain), the clinical neurological assessment, quality of life domains, and symptom distress (all P < .05). Improvements in pain interference, neurotoxicity-related symptoms, and functional aspects of quality of life were sustained in the 14-week assessment (P < .05), as were physical and functional well-being at the 20-week assessment (P < .05). Conclusions: Acupuncture is an effective intervention for treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and improving patients’ quality of life and experience with neurotoxicity-related symptoms with longer term effects evident.

Mapping child and adolescent self-reported symptom data to clinician-reported adverse event grading to improve pediatric oncology care and research

BACKGROUND

Clinicians are the standard source for adverse event (AE) reporting in oncology trials, despite the subjective nature of symptomatic AEs. The authors designed a pediatric patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument for symptomatic AEs to support the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) (the Pediatric PRO-CTCAE). The current study developed a standardized algorithm that maps all possible Pediatric PRO-CTCAE response patterns to recommended CTCAE grades to improve the accuracy of AE reporting in pediatric oncology trials.

METHODS

Two rounds of surveys were administered to experienced cancer clinicians across 9 pediatric hospitals. In round 1, pediatric oncologists assigned CTCAE grades to all 101 possible Pediatric PRO-CTCAE response patterns. The authors evaluated clinician agreement of CTCAE grades across response patterns and categorized each response pattern as having high or low agreement. In round 2, a survey was sent to a larger clinician group to examine clinician agreement among a select set of Pediatric PRO-CTCAE response patterns, and the authors examined how clinical context influenced grade assignment.

RESULTS

A total of 10 pediatric oncologists participated in round 1. Of the 101 possible patterns, 89 (88%) had high agreement. The Light weighted kappa was averaged across the 10 oncologists (Light kappa = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.66-0.81). A total of 139 clinicians participated in round 2. High clinician agreement remained for the majority of generic response patterns and the clinical context did not typically change grades but rather improved agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides a framework for integrating child self-reported symptom data directly into mandated AE reporting in oncology trials. Translating Pediatric PRO-CTCAE responses into clinically meaningful metrics will guide future cancer care and toxicity grading.

Identification of high-risk drugs related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program-sponsored phase I trials

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant and debilitating side effect. However, there have been no studies of the relative risk of CIPN with known causative agents. We examined the risk of CIPN in patients taking such agents as a part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program-sponsored phase I trials.

METHODS

CIPN events in each patient were graded according to the Clinical Terminology of Common Adverse Effects and compared among several high-risk chemotherapeutic agent groups, adjusting for possible confounding factors. Patients receiving tubulin-targeted agents were analysed separately for specific background factors associated with CIPN.

RESULTS

In 135 phase I clinical trials, 259 of 3614 patients were identified as developing CIPN during chemotherapy. Tubulin-targeting agents and proteasome inhibitors were identified as high-risk agents (hazard ratio 9.04 and 5.01, respectively) for CIPN, whereas platinum-complex agents and thalidomide analogues imparted lower risk (hazard ratio 1.52 and 1.11, respectively). Age, sex and medical history of diabetes were not significantly related to CIPN. CIPN developed over time as the number of chemotherapy cycles increased. Among patients with CIPN, treatment with tubulin-targeting agents resulted in a significantly higher rate of chemotherapy schedule modification compared with treatments with other chemotherapeutic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubulin-targeting agents and proteasome inhibitors were associated with a greatly increased risk of CIPN compared with other agents. CIPN tended to develop in later chemotherapy cycles. These findings will help to minimise the risk of CIPN by encouraging increased surveillance and earlier dose adjustment of high-risk agents in phase I trials.

Are we mis-estimating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy? Analysis of assessment methodologies from a prospective, multinational, longitudinal cohort study of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy

Background

There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the prevalence and assessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This study explored CIPN natural history and its characteristics in patients receiving taxane- and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

Multi-country multisite prospective longitudinal observational study. Patients were assessed before commencing and three weekly during chemotherapy for up to six cycles, and at 6,9, and 12 months using clinician-based scales (NCI-CTCAE; WHO-CIPN criterion), objective assessments (cotton wool test;10 g monofilament); patient-reported outcome measures (FACT/GOG-Ntx; EORTC-CIPN20), and Nerve Conduction Studies.

Results

In total, 343 patients were recruited in the cohort, providing 2399 observations. There was wide variation in CIPN prevalence rates using different assessments (14.2–53.4%). Prevalence of sensory neuropathy (and associated symptom profile) was also different in each type of chemotherapy, with paclitaxel (up to 63%) and oxaliplatin (up to 71.4%) showing the highest CIPN rates in most assessments and a more complex symptom profile. Peak prevalence was around the 6-month assessment (up to 71.4%). Motor neurotoxicity was common, particularly in the docetaxel subgroup (up to 22.1%; detected by NCI-CTCAE). There were relatively moderately-to-low correlations between scales (r_s = 0.15,p < 0.05-r_s = 0.48 p < 0.001), suggesting that they measure different neurotoxicity aspects from each other. Cumulative chemotherapy dose was not associated with onset and course of CIPN.

Conclusion

The historical variation reported in CIPN incidence and prevalence is possibly confounded by disagreement between assessment modalities. Clinical practice should consider assessment of motor neuropathy for neurotoxic chemotherapy. Current scales may not be all appropriate to measure CIPN in a valid way, and a combination of scales are needed.

Living with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: Uncovering the symptom experience and self-management of neuropathic symptoms among cancer survivors

PURPOSE

The study aimed at uncovering the symptom experience of neurotoxicity, self-adopted approaches and perspectives in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic (CIPN) symptoms in a sample of Chinese cancer survivors.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was used to explore individual experiences. A purposive sample of 12 female participants experiencing CIPN was invited to semi-structured interviews who were part of a larger prospective observational study investigating the natural progression and risk factors of CIPN. Textual interview data were managed in NVivo. Content analysis was used.

RESULTS

Participants were aged 41-64 years and experienced moderate to severe neuropathic symptoms from 5 to 23 months after completion of a six-cycle chemotherapy regimens at reported during the interviews. Four categories emerged from the qualitative data, namely, (1) experience come to reality: characteristics of CIPN symptoms, (2) disruptions and perceived threat: ability to perform activities and resume work, (3) re-establishing an 'at least satisfactory level of well-being', and (4) views of and approaches in managing neuropathic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics of CIPN symptoms causing disruptions in functional and/or psychosocial well-being from the patients' perspectives and the self-help strategies used to manage symptoms showed a need to provide quality multidisciplinary supportive care, focusing on restoring functional and psychosocial well-being, and enhancing knowledge about symptom assessment and evidence-based strategies for empowering cancer survivors to cope with this complex symptom.

The Influence of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy on Quality of Life of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this observational study was to investigate correlations between long-term chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) and quality of life (physical well-being, social well-being, emotional well-being, and functional well-being [FWB]) among survivors of gynecologic cancer (GC).

METHODS

We aimed to assess the correlation of quality of life and long-term CIPN with the temporal change in recurrence-free GC survival. Questionnaire responses and clinical data of 259 GC survivors were collected and assessed according to treatment received. The χ test was used to determine the significance of correlations.

RESULTS

Of 165 evaluable patients treated by chemotherapy, 36 patients (21.8%) developed CIPN of Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1 or higher during the study. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity had significantly improved over time in the domain of FWB at 61 months or more after the end of chemotherapy (posttreatment 4) among GC survivors (P = 0.003). Furthermore, CIPN treated by more than 6 courses of the paclitaxel and carboplatin regimen among GC survivors showed significant improvement over time in the emotional well-being domain at 25 to 60 months and 61 months or more after the end of chemotherapy (posttreatments 3 and 4) (P = 0.037 and P = 0.023) and in FWB at posttreatment 4 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional and functional domains of CIPN improved over time among GC survivors treated by more than 6 courses of the paclitaxel and carboplatin regimen. Based on these results, further research is required to identify additional preventative or curative approaches.

The effect of pregabalin and duloxetine treatment on quality of life of breast cancer patients with taxane-induced sensory neuropathy: A randomized clinical trial

Background:

The primary side effect of adjuvant chemotherapy with taxanes is the taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN), which may have substantial negative impacts on patients’ quality of life (QOL). We investigated the effect of pregabalin and duloxetine on QOL of breast cancer patients who experienced TIPN.

Materials and Methods:

This was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted at a chemotherapy center of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Breast cancer patients 18 or more years old were included if they received paclitaxel or docetaxel and experienced neuropathy grade one or higher; and neuropathic pain score of four or more. Patients were treated with pregabalin or duloxetine until 6 weeks. Assessment of sensory neuropathy and QOL was performed at baseline, and 6 weeks after the initiation of the treatment.

Results:

At baseline, the mean score of global health status/QOL scale for pregabalin and duloxetine groups were 61 (standard deviation [SD]; 5.11) and 60.28 (SD; 5.44), respectively (P = 0.54). After 6 weeks, both interventions were associated with improvement of global QOL compared to baseline. The global health status/QOL score was not different between two groups after 6 weeks. While the emotional functioning was improved more favorably with duloxetine (P < 0.001); pregabalin was associated with more improvement in insomnia and pain scores (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Pregabalin as well as duloxetine improve the global QOL of breast cancer patients with TIPN. Different effects of treatments on subscale of QLQ-C30 could help clinicians to select the appropriate agent individually.

Update on New Therapies With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy has had a long history in cancer treatment and, with recent breakthroughs, new drugs are available that have shown promising results.

OBJECTIVES

The current article discusses an overview of immune function, including immunoediting and the theory of immune checkpoints, as well as specific drugs that have been approved as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Additional discussion includes a review of nursing implications and administration, side effects, adverse events, and the future of immuno-oncology.

METHODS

This review of literature focused on locating, summarizing, and synthesizing data from published articles, the American Cancer Society, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and literature from pharmaceutical manufacturers that focused on immunotherapy treatment options that use checkpoint inhibition. Search criteria included articles published from 2005-2015 and archived in CINAHL®, OVID®, and PubMed databases using the key words immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibition, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and oncology.

FINDINGS

Cancer therapy targeting immune checkpoint inhibition has shown promising results and continues to evolve. Oncology nurses need to remain abreast of new immune-modulating therapies to understand their efficacy, as well as side effect management.

Association of CYP3A5 Expression and Vincristine Neurotoxicity in Pediatric Malignancies in Turkish Population

Vincristine is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of childhood malignancies. Neuropathy is the most common adverse effect. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes of cytochrome p450 enzyme system are responsible in vincristine metabolism. Genetic polymorphism may alter the vincristine metabolism and the neurotoxicity rate. In this study, distribution of CYP3A5 alleles among Turkish children with malignancies, relation between CYP3A5 genotype and neurotoxicity rates, as well as severity and duration of neuropathy and total vincristine doses were investigated. Patient group consisted of 115 patients (age, 1 to 17 y) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and solid tumors, who were treated with vincristine consisting chemotherapy protocols. Control group consisted of 50 children without any neurological symptom or disorders. All patient files were reviewed for presence and severeness of neurotoxicity symptoms. Blood samples were obtained and CYP3A5 genotypes were analyzed. Neurotoxicity occurred in 20.8% of patients. Although it was found to occur more frequently after 4 doses of vincristine, and rates were higher in the low-dose vincristine group suggesting other contributing factors. Although neurotoxicity rate in the CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype was 17.6%, it was 21.6% in the CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype and the difference was not statistically significant (P<0.05). This study suggested that vincristine-related neurotoxicity is dose-independent and genotype is not the only causative factor in the occurrence of neurotoxicity in these patients.

Investigation of a correlation between taxane-based chemotherapy and the ultrasonic time-of-flight of human fingernails

BACKGROUND

Medical practitioners have long associated the physical appearance of human fingernails with certain underlying health conditions due to their direct connection to the vascular system. The objective of this study was to demonstrate how human fingernails can potentially be used as a biomarker to determine the severity of a patient's reaction to chemotherapy.

METHODS

Quantitative investigation of fingernails in patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy was conducted using a high-frequency 50 MHz ultrasound device in B-mode in the form of a pilot study. Time-of-Flight (TOF) ultrasonic signal measurements were recorded longitudinally across fingernails over three time intervals; (before treatment, in the middle of treatment, and on the last day of treatment); a neuropathy assessment and photographs were also taken for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients were examined in this study with ages ranging from 35-69 years old with both weekly and biweekly chemotherapy regimens. Onycholysis and fingernail discoloration were observed in 8 of the 17 patients. White transverse lines and white lunula were observed on 4 of the 17 patients. Quantitative assessment revealed a TOF median decrease in fingernails during the first half of chemotherapy treatment; conversely, TOF median was found to have increased during the second half. Median TOF measurements at the end of treatment were found to return to approximately that of the baseline value.

CONCLUSION

This was a novel application of ultrasound in fingernails as chemotherapy biomarkers and further studies should be considered to verify and expand on the results obtained in this study.

Optimal clinical assessment strategies for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): a systematic review and Delphi survey

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prominent side effect of the treatment of cancer. Despite this frequent complication, there has been no comprehensive review and quality appraisal of CIPN assessments. The purpose of this study is to provide a definitive quality appraisal of CIPN assessment strategies for clinical use.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through database searches of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. CIPN assessment strategies from included articles were extracted and initially rated by an oncologist and neurophysiologist according to criteria related to assessment depth, comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and reliability. The six highest scoring assessment strategies were the focus of a two-round Delphi survey of a working party of 32 physicians, nurses, and consumers to achieve consensus on the highest rated assessments for each criterion.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 117 distinct CIPN assessments that were extracted from 2373 articles. Three patient-reported outcome surveys and three clinician-based assessments were included in the Delphi survey. No consensus was generated regarding the best overall CIPN assessment, although good (≥70%) consensus was achieved regarding the best assessment within each criterion. The Participant Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) was rated the highest overall and patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment, while the Total Neuropathy Score clinical version (TNSc) was the highest rated clinician-based assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

A diverse range of CIPN assessments currently exists. While several assessments assess CIPN symptoms with adequate comprehensiveness, depth, language, and feasibility, the consensus 'gold standard' clinical assessment remains to be established.

Goshajinkigan for reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an issue for both cancer patients and specialists, and the number of cases of CIPN is growing with the increasing number of cancer patients worldwide. CIPN is often caused by common anticancer drugs such as taxanes and platinum analogs. These are key drugs for various cancers including colorectal and gastric cancers. However, there are currently no effective drugs to prevent CIPN. Goshajinkigan, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo), is a promising drug which is used to treat diabetic neuropathy in Japan. This systematic review will assess the efficacy and safety of Goshajinkigan for reducing CIPN in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a comprehensive search of relevant randomized controlled trials in Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ICHUSHI. Two review authors will independently assess studies for inclusion and consult a third review author if necessary. The risk of bias of the included studies will be assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We will investigate heterogeneity using forest plots and the chi-square test. When there are enough studies and any heterogeneity, we will use a random-effects model. Otherwise, we will use a fixed-effects model.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This is a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis and does not need ethics approval. We will disseminate the findings of this review through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42016045224.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy is associated with side effects of frontline chemotherapeutics, which is a prominent therapy utilized in prevalent cancers. Peripheral neuropathy negatively impacts quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. It also affects the dose plan of the treatment, thereby limiting the efficacy of the treatment. We searched the electronic database PubMed for pre-clinically and clinically controlled trials reporting neuropathy of adverse effects, a result of chemotherapy in cancer patients. It was observed clearly that many reports provide clinical evidence to rapidly growing neuropathy cases of cancer patients. Furthermore, the reports clearly showed enhanced cold pain, sensorimotor deficits, sensory innervation of the skin and sensorimotor deficits in the patients with cancer who underwent treatment mainly with the chemotherapeutic approach. The present review highlighted the current view of peripheral neuropathy during chemotherapeutic approaches.

Acupuncture combined with methylcobalamin for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) seriously affects the quality of life of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) as well as the response rate to chemotherapy. Acupuncture has a potential role in the treatment of CIPN, but at present there have been no randomized clinical research studies to analyze the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of CIPN, particularly in MM patients.

Methods

The MM patients (104 individuals) who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into a solely methylcobalamin therapy group (500 μg intramuscular methylcobalamin injections every other day for 20 days; ten injections) followed by 2 months of 500 μg oral methylcobalamin administration, three times per day) and an acupuncture combined with methylcobalamin (Met + Acu) group (methylcobalamin used the same way as above accompanied by three cycles of acupuncture). Of the patients, 98 out of 104 completed the treatment and follow-ups. There were 49 patients in each group. The evaluating parameters included the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (Fact/GOG-Ntx) questionnaire scores, and electromyographic (EMG) nerve conduction velocity (NCV) determinations. We evaluated the changes of the parameters in each group before and after the therapies and made a comparison between the two groups.

Results

After 84 days (three cycles) of therapy, the pain was significantly alleviated in both groups, with a significantly higher decrease in the acupuncture treated group (P < 0.01). The patients’ daily activity evaluated by Fact/GOG-Ntx questionnaires significantly improved in the Met + Acu group (P < 0.001). The NCV in the Met + Acu group improved significantly while amelioration in the control group was not observed.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that acupuncture combined with methylcobalamin in the treatment of CIPN showed a better outcome than methylcobalamin administration alone.

Trial registration

China Clinical Trials Register (registration no. ChiCTR-INR-16009079, registration date August 24, 2016).

Quantitative assessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity using a point-of-care nerve conduction device

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) seriously impairs patients' quality of life cumulatively and dose-dependently. Because assessment of CIPN usually depends on patients' subjective evaluation of symptoms, objective and quantitative measures are needed. We evaluated a point-of-care nerve conduction device (POCD), previously validated for the assessment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of the sural nerve were measured using a portable, automated POCD (DPNCheck; NeuroMetrix Inc., Waltham, MA, USA) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of CIPN of grade 1 or higher. We compared SNAP and SNCV among patients with different grades of CIPN according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. A total of 50 patients (22 men, 28 women; median age, 64 years; grade 1/2/3, 21/18/11) were evaluated. Anticancer drugs responsible for CIPN were cisplatin in five patients, oxaliplatin in 15, carboplatin in 5, paclitaxel in 16, docetaxel in 14, nab-paclitaxel in 7, vincristine in 6, and bortezomib in 3. Unadjusted SNAP was 8.45 ± 3.67 μV (mean ± SD) in patients with grade 1 CIPN, 5.42 ± 2.68 μV with grade 2, and 2.45 ± 1.52 μV with grade 3. Unadjusted SNCV was 49.71 ± 4.77 m/s in patients with grade 1 CIPN, 48.78 ± 6.33 m/s with grade 2, and 44.14 ± 7.31 m/s with grade 3. The adjusted SNAP after controlling for age significantly differed between each CTCAE grade (P < 0.001, ancova). The adjusted SNCV after controlling for age and height also differed significantly (P = 0.027). Differences in the severity of CIPN could be detected objectively and quantitatively using this POCD.

Ototoxicity (cochleotoxicity) classifications: A review

OBJECTIVE

Drug-mediated ototoxicity, specifically cochleotoxicity, is a concern for patients receiving medications for the treatment of serious illness. A number of classification schemes exist, most of which are based on pure-tone audiometry, in order to assist non-audiological/non-otological specialists in the identification and monitoring of iatrogenic hearing loss. This review identifies the primary classification systems used in cochleototoxicity monitoring. By bringing together classifications published in discipline-specific literature, the paper aims to increase awareness of their relative strengths and limitations in the assessment and monitoring of ototoxic hearing loss and to indicate how future classification systems may improve upon the status-quo.

DESIGN

Literature review.

STUDY SAMPLE

PubMed identified 4878 articles containing the search term ototox*.

RESULTS

A systematic search identified 13 key classification systems. Cochleotoxicity classification systems can be divided into those which focus on hearing change from a baseline audiogram and those that focus on the functional impact of the hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Common weaknesses of these grading scales included a lack of sensitivity to small adverse changes in hearing thresholds, a lack of high-frequency audiometry (>8 kHz), and lack of indication of which changes are likely to be clinically significant for communication and quality of life.

Pain in cancer survivors

Cancer and its treatment exert a heavy psychological and physical toll. Of the myriad symptoms which result, pain is common, encountered in between 30% and 60% of cancer survivors. Pain in cancer survivors is a major and growing problem, impeding the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who have beaten cancer and negatively impacting on cancer patients' quality of life, work prospects and mental health. Persistent pain in cancer survivors remains challenging to treat successfully. Pain can arise both due to the underlying disease and the various treatments the patient has been subjected to. Chemotherapy causes painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), radiotherapy can produce late effect radiation toxicity and surgery may lead to the development of persistent post-surgical pain syndromes. This review explores a selection of the common causes of persistent pain in cancer survivors, detailing our current understanding of the pathophysiology and outlining both the clinical manifestations of individual pain states and the treatment options available.

Palliative chemotherapy followed by methylation inhibitor in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia: An in vitro and clinical study

Decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine; DAC) is a well-tolerated alternative to aggressive chemotherapy for leukemia, which induces differentiation and apoptosis of leukemic cells as a DNA hypomethylating agent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of DAC sequentially combined with chemotherapy to reverse drug resistance. HL-60/ADR multidrug-resistant leukemia cells cultured in 96-well plates were pretreated with DAC for 72 h; varying concentrations of aclacinomycin (ACLA) were then added to the wells, cell proliferation was tested using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. Furthermore, we analyzed the therapeutic efficacy in 7 patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving induction therapy with DAC sequentially combined with cytarabine, ACLA and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (CAG regimen). The proliferation inhibition rate of HL-60/ADR cells treated with DAC at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 µmol/l sequentially combined with ACLA was significantly higher compared with that with ACLA alone (P<0.001 for both). DNMT1 expression was significantly repressed following treatment with 1.0 µmol/l DAC. Of the 11 patients, 8 (72.7%) received induction therapy with DAC sequentially combined with CAG agents and achieved complete remission (CR) after 2 cycles of treatment; however, 3 (27.3%) patients did not achieve remission. Myelosuppression was observed in all 11 patients and pulmonary infections developed in 9 patients (81.8%) during the course of the study. At the last follow-up, 7 of the 8 patients who achieved CR remained in remission. The median follow-up was 6 months (range, 3-18 months). Therefore, pretreatment with DAC may increase the sensitivity of HL-60/ADR cells to ACLA via the epigenetic modulation of demethylation and the sequential administration of DAC and CAG regimen appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of patients with high-risk AML.

Assessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using the LDIFLARE technique: a novel technique to detect neural small fiber dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis and quantification of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a challenge. Conventional methods including quantitative sensory testing (QST), nerve conduction tests, and biopsy are unable to detect subclinical changes, and do not consistently correlate with severity of patients' symptoms and functional impairment. This study aims to determine the utility of the LDI (laser Doppler imager) FLARE technique in the diagnosis of CIPN and whether it correlates with symptom severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed 24 patients with established CIPN [12 due to platinum analogs (PA) and 12 to Taxanes (TX)] and 24 matched healthy controls (HC). All underwent neurophysiological examination including vibration perception threshold (VPT), sural nerve amplitude (SNAP) and conduction velocity (SNCV), LDIFLARE, and fasting biochemistry. The QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity.

RESULTS

HC, combined chemotherapy (CG), PA , and TX groups were matched for age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. The LDIFLARE was significantly reduced in CG compared to HC (P =< 0.0001), whereas SNAP (P = 0.058) and SNCV (P = 0.054) were not. The LDIFLARE correlated with the QLQ-CIPN20 symptom scores in all three categories namely, CG (P =< 0.0001), PA (P = 0.001) and TX (P = 0.027) whilst, VPT, SNAP, and SNCV did not.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the LDIFLARE technique is more helpful in confirming the diagnosis of CIPN in patients with distal sensory symptoms than current commonly used methods. Moreover, this novel test fulfils the unmet need for a diagnostic test that relates to the severity of symptoms. This may be useful in quantifying early changes in small fibre function indicating early CIPN.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN): what we need and what we know

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is one of the most frequent and severe long-term side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Preclinical and clinical studies have extensively investigated CIPN searching for effective strategies to limit its severity or to treat CIPN-related impairment, but the results have been disappointing. Among the reasons for this failure are methodological flaws in both preclinical and clinical investigations. Their successful resolution might provide a brighter perspective for future studies. Among the several neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs, oxaliplatin may offer a clear example of a methodological approach eventually leading to successful clinical trials. However, the same considerations apply to the other neurotoxic agents and, although frequently neglected, also to the new "targeted" agents.

Measuring vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is difficult to quantify in children.

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to examine the reliability, validity, and clinical feasibility of several VIPN measures for use in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

INTERVENTIONS/METHODS

Children (n = 65) aged 1 to 18 years receiving vincristine at 4 academic centers participated in the study. Baseline and pre-vincristine administration VIPN assessments were obtained using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS©-PV), the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, the Balis grading scale, and the FACES Pain Scale. The TNS-PV scores (n = 806) were obtained over 15 weeks. Blood was obtained at several time points to quantify pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

Cronbach's α for a reduced TNS-PV scale was .84. The TNS-PV scores correlated with cumulative vincristine dosage (r = 0.53, P = 0.01), pharmacokinetic parameters (r = 0.41, P = 0.05), and grading scale scores (r range = 0.46-0.52, P = .01). FACES scores correlated with the TNS-PV neuropathic pain item (r = 0.48; P = .01) and were attainable in all ages. A 2-item V-Rex score (vibration and reflex items) was the most responsive to change (effect size = 0.65, P < 0.001). The TNS-PV scores were attainable in 95% of children 6 years or older.

CONCLUSIONS

The TNS-PV is reliable and valid for measuring VIPN. It is sensitive to change over time (15 weeks) and feasible for use in children 6 years or older.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The TNS-PV may be a useful tool for assessing vincristine toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Nurse self-evaluation of assessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer

The focus of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical implementation of a standardized assessment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) by registered nurses in patients undergoing neurotoxic chemotherapy. A total of 24 registered nurses from 4 different institutions were enrolled into the study. A pre- and posttest design was used to assess changes in nurses’ attitudes, knowledge, and perceived skill in CIPN assessment. Using selected data collection instruments, nurses performed standardized assessments during the course of chemotherapy treatments. Patient-reported symptoms, vibratory sensation, deep-tendon reflexes, and touch were collected at three time points during chemotherapy treatment. Results indicated there was no statistically significant change in knowledge of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy from baseline to the end of the study. However, this finding may be due to poor internal consistency noted among the items of the Nurse Knowledge and Attitudes CIPN Assessment. Implementation of a standardized subjective and objective nursing assessment of CIPN was feasible with a total mean feasibility score of 3.76 (range 0–5) with each individual item scoring between 3.35 and 3.91. The intervention did improve pretest and posttest confidence in performing assessment for CIPN (p = .003).

Neurologic complications of chemotherapy and other newer and experimental approaches

Neurologic complications of conventional cytototxic agents as well as those from monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapies are increasingly observed in patients with cancer. The major categories are represented by alkylating agents (platinum compounds, ifosfamide, procarbazine, thiotepa), mitotic spindle inhibitors (vinca alkaloids, taxanes, etoposide, teniposide), proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib), antibiotics, antimetabolites, thalidomide, lenalidomide, topoisomerase inhibitors, interferon-α, hormones, bevacizumab, trastuzumab, and small tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse effect of a number of chemotherapeutic drugs and often represents a critical factor limiting an adequate dose-intensity of chemotherapy. Regarding the central nervous system (CNS), it is vulnerable to many forms of toxicity from chemotherapeutic agents, including encephalopathy syndromes and confusional states, seizures, headache, cerebrovascular complications, visual loss, cerebellar syndromes, and myelopathy. For a given drug, the occurrence of CNS toxicity depends on several factors, including the total dose, route of administration, presence of structural brain lesions, exposure to prior or concurrent irradiation, and interactions with other drugs. However, many of the neurotoxic reactions are rare and idiosyncratic, and remain unpredictable. Several forms of neuroprotection and rehabilitation are being investigated. Last, the so-called "chemobrain" is an emerging issue, as it is a model of a subtle of and long-lasting damage to neuronal structures from some antineoplastic agents.

Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy using current perception threshold and clinical evaluations

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is increasing with introduction of new and combination cancer pharmacotherapies. This study evaluated associations between clinical and self-report measurements and current perception threshold (CPT), a neuroselective measure of sensory nerve function that may detect asymptomatic CIPN damage.

METHODS

Data for this secondary analysis were from a prospective, observational study using CPT to evaluate CIPN. Bivariate mixed models, accounting for the intraclass correlation between repeated patient assessments, were used to assess the relationship between CPT at each frequency (5, 250, and 2,000 Hz) and each subjective measure (Neuropathic Pain Scale, FACT-GOGntx) and objective measurement (quantitative sensory testing, deep tendon reflexes, and grip strength).

RESULTS

A total of 29 chemotherapy-naïve subjects with various cancer types had a mean age of 56.7 (SD 10.4); nine subjects developed CIPN grade >1 using NCI CTC-AE criteria. Cold detection thresholds were inversely associated with CPT 5 [b(95 % CI) = -2.5(-4.5, -0.5)] and CPT 2,000 [-7.5(-11.8, -3.3)] frequencies. FACT GOG-ntx quality of life (QoL) scale and neurotoxicity and function subscales were inversely associated with CPT 2,000 [-1.8 (-3.5, -0.05), -2.2 (-4.2, -0.2), and -5.4 (-9.8, -0.9), respectively], indicating worsening QoL, impairment, and function as hypoesthesia increases.

CONCLUSIONS

CPT 2,000 may identify impending worsening of patient-reported outcomes such as QoL.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients: a four-arm randomized trial on the effectiveness of electroacupuncture

Purpose. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and dose-limiting side effect of cytostatic drugs. Since there are no proven therapeutic procedures against CIPN, we were interested to define the role of electroacupuncture (EA) from which preliminary data showed promising results. Methods. In a randomized trial with a group sequential adaptive design in patients with CIPN, we compared EA (LV3, SP9, GB41, GB34, LI4, LI11, SI3, and HT3; n = 14) with hydroelectric baths (HB, n = 14), vitamin B1/B6 capsules (300/300 mg daily; VitB, n = 15), and placebo capsules (n = 17). The statistical power in this trial was primarily calculated for proving EA only, so results of HB and VitB are pilot data. Results. CIPN complaints improved by 0.8 ± 1.2 (EA), 1.7 ± 1.7 (HB), 1.6 ± 2.0 (VitB), and 1.3 ± 1.3 points (placebo) on a 10-point numeric rating scale without significant difference between treatment groups or placebo. In addition no significant differences in sensory nerve conduction studies or quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were found. Conclusions. The used EA concept, HB, and VitB were not superior to placebo. Since, contrary to our results, studies with different acupuncture concepts showed a positive effect on CIPN, the effect of acupuncture on CIPN remains unclear. Further randomized, placebo controlled studies seem necessary. This trial is registered with DRKS00004448.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (CIPNs) are an increasingly common neuropathic and pain syndrome in adult and pediatric cancer patients and survivors [1-69]. However, symptoms associated with CIPNs are often undiagnosed, under-assessed, and communications problems between clinicians, family members, and patients have been observed [70-73]. Less is known about the prevalence and impact of CIPNs on pediatric cancer populations [70-71]. This article aims to provide a brief understanding of CIPNs in pediatric populations, and to review the evidence for both its prevention and treatment.

The chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy outcome measures standardization study: from consensus to the first validity and reliability findings

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and dose-limiting complication of cancer treatment. Thus far, the impact of CIPN has not been studied in a systematic clinimetric manner. The objective of the study was to select outcome measures for CIPN evaluation and to establish their validity and reproducibility in a cross-sectional multicenter study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After literature review and a consensus meeting among experts, face/content validity were obtained for the following selected scales: the National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC), the Total Neuropathy Score clinical version (TNSc), the modified Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) group sensory sumscore (mISS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, and CIPN20 quality-of-life measures. A total of 281 patients with stable CIPN were examined. Validity (correlation) and reliability studies were carried out.

RESULTS

Good inter-/intra-observer scores were obtained for the TNSc, mISS, and NCI-CTC sensory/motor subscales. Test-retest values were also good for the EORTC QLQ-C30 and CIPN20. Acceptable validity scores were obtained through the correlation among the measures.

CONCLUSION

Good validity and reliability scores were demonstrated for the set of selected impairment and quality-of-life outcome measures in CIPN. Future studies are planned to investigate the responsiveness aspects of these measures.

A prospective validation pharmacogenomic study in the adjuvant setting of colorectal cancer patients treated with the 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) regimen

The discovery of pharmacogenomic markers in colorectal cancer (CRC) could be setting-specific. FOLFOX4 is employed in the adjuvant and metastatic setting in CRC. This prospective study is aimed to validate in the adjuvant setting the pharmacogenomic markers of toxicity reported in the metastatic setting (that is, GSTP1-rs947894, and -rs1138272; GSTM1-null genotype; AGXT-rs4426527, -rs34116584 and del-74 bp), and to discover additional markers. CRC patients (n=144) treated with adjuvant FOLFOX4 were genotyped for 57 polymorphisms in 29 genes. Grade ≥ 2 neurotoxicity was associated (false discovery rate-adjusted q-value <0.1) with single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ABCC1 (rs2074087: odds ratio=0.43(0.22-0.86)), and ABCC2 (rs3740066: 2.99(1.16-7.70); rs1885301: 3.06(1.35-6.92); rs4148396: 4.69(1.60-13.74); rs717620: 14.39(1.63-127.02)). hMSH6-rs3136228 was associated with grade 3-4 neutropenia (3.23(1.38-7.57), q-value=0.0937). XRCC3-rs1799794 was associated with grade 3-4 non-hematological toxicity (8.90(2.48-31.97), q-value=0.0150). The markers previously identified in metastatic CRC were not validated. We have identified new markers of toxicity in genes of transport and DNA repair. If validated in other studies, they could help to identify patients at risk of toxicity.

A genome-wide association study identifies novel loci for paclitaxel-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy in CALGB 40101

PURPOSE

Sensory peripheral neuropathy is a common and sometimes debilitating toxicity associated with paclitaxel therapy. This study aims to identify genetic risk factors for the development of this toxicity.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A prospective pharmacogenetic analysis of patients with primary breast cancer, randomized to the paclitaxel arm of CALGB 40101, was used to identify genetic predictors of the onset and severity of sensory peripheral neuropathy. A genome-wide association study in 855 subjects of European ancestry was conducted and findings were replicated in additional European (n = 154) and African American (n = 117) subjects.

RESULTS

A single nucleotide polymorphism in FGD4 was associated with the onset of sensory peripheral neuropathy in the discovery cohort [rs10771973; HR, 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-1.91; P = 2.6 × 10(-6)] and in a European (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06-2.80; P = 0.013) and African American (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.13-3.28; P = 6.7 × 10(-3)) replication cohort. There is also evidence that markers in additional genes, including EPHA5 (rs7349683) and FZD3 (rs10771973), were associated with the onset or severity of paclitaxel-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

A genome-wide association study has identified novel genetic markers of paclitaxel-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy, including a common polymorphism in FGD4, a congenital peripheral neuropathy gene. These findings suggest that genetic variation may contribute to variation in development of this toxicity. Validation of these findings may allow for the identification of patients at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and inform the use of an alternative to paclitaxel and/or the clinical management of this toxicity.