Platinum and Taxane-Induced Neuropathy and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A Single Institution Study.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a
common and challenging complication of platinum and taxane agents and can
have a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL).
Objective: This study aims to detect the frequency and severity of CIPN in
patients receiving Platinum and Taxane compounds and their effect on QoL.
Methods: This prospective study enrolled 47 patients receiving neurotoxic
chemotherapy (taxanes and platinum-based agents) at Assiut University
Hospital's Clinical Oncology Department between March 2023 and July 2024,
with a median 6-month follow-up. CIPN was detected, graded, and assessed
clinically by using the NCI-CTCAE v5.0 criteria and electrophysiologically
through nerve conduction studies conducted in collaboration with the Neurology
Department. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated using the
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life
Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).
Results: In this study, altered sensory symptoms occurred in 80-86.7% of
patients across all regimens. Neuropathy grading revealed grade II in 44% of
patients, grade I in 29%, and grade III in 25%. Platinum-based regimens were
significantly associated with grade II neuropathy (p<0.001), while
platinum+taxane combinations showed the highest rate of grade III neuropathy
(p=0.05). Nerve conduction studies demonstrated significant post-chemotherapy
reductions in sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and motor conduction
velocities (MCV) (p<0.001). Higher CIPN grades correlated significantly with
worse global health status (commonly with patients received platinum + taxane
combinations), reduced physical function, and increased symptom burden on
both QLQ-C30 and NCI-CTCAE V5 scales (p<0.014).
Conclusion: CIPN is a frequent and devastating complication in patients
receiving taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy, with significant clinical,
neurophysiological, and QoL implications. Future research should focus on
strategies to prevent and mitigate this debilitating side effect.
Trial Registration: (IRB 042023200122).