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Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathies

Samuel E. Mathis, MD Reviewed 06/2021
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (CIPN) are dysfunctions secondary to the effects of chemotherapeutic agents, due to direct nerve damage and/or alteration in absorption o...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Numbness (most commonly symmetric, glove and stocking distribution)

  • Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures

  • Loss of balance and dexterity

  • Distal weakness

  • Tingling

  • Itching

  • Burning pain

  • Muscle...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • The goal of therapy is to treat the cancer without creating side effects that are worse than the cancer, so the medical team should regularly assess for symptoms.

  • If the CIPN ...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Patients should be provided informed consent of the possibility for neuropathy and how it could present.

  • Encourage patients to share any new side effects from their treatm...

REFERENCES

1
Argyriou  AA, Kyritsis  AP, Makatsoris  T, et al. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults: a comprehensive update of the literature. Cancer Manag Res. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Staff NP, Grisold A, Grisold W, et al. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a current review.  Ann Neurol. 2017;Jun;81(6):772-781.  

CODES

ICD10

  • T88.8XXA Oth complications of surgical and medical care, NEC, init

  • G62.2 Polyneuropathy due to other toxic agents

SNOMED

  • 423661009 Complication of chemotherapy

  • 386033004 Neuropathy (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • The goal of chemotherapy treatment is to reduce the tumor load, yet the patient’s quality of life should be a consideration in continuing treatment.

  • Most patients will initially complai...

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