Neuropathy in cancer patients: relieve symptoms

In the media perception, chemotherapy is primarily associated with nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. In the longer term, it is often more important for patients that peripheral neuropathy, more precisely chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), develops.

The CIPN represents a functionally severely impairing side effect in several antineoplastic substances, the prevention, and therapy of which is an important task. In addition to many interventions that have been proven to be ineffective, it is becoming apparent that physiotherapeutic measures and possibly the prophylactic use of cold are preventively helpful. Randomized studies on the treatment of painful CIPN have provided positive data for duloxetine and, to a lesser extent, for venlafaxine.

Neuropathic symptoms in a cancer patient

Neuropathic symptoms are a dreaded side effect of some cancer treatments. Some chemotherapy drugs, in particular, cause patients to feel uncomfortable or numb in their hands and feet. Radiation therapy or a tumor itself can also cause nerve damage. How do you notice that nerves are damaged? Who can I turn to? Which examinations bring clarification? What can be done about neuropathy?

The cancer information service shows which help those affected can take advantage of.

Is there a risk of neuropathy, such as chemotherapy or other treatments? As a cancer patient, you should then know what the first signs of peripheral nerve damage feel like. If you notice such symptoms, you should inform the treating doctor immediately.

When are you particularly at risk?

In some patients, the first signs of nerve damage may appear immediately during cancer treatment, in others only after a delay. The signs and forms of nerve damage can also vary.

Many of those affected initially report pain and sensory disorders. They begin predominantly in the soles of the feet and fingertips and can extend to the ankles and wrist. Some sufferers are oversensitive to the slightest touch or other stimuli. Some patients feel like ants are running through their feet and hands.

The opposite is also possible: hands and feet feel furry, numb, or asleep. Other patients have the impression that they are walking on cotton wool. Some sufferers no longer notice any pain, vibration, heat, or cold at all.

Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy

Several cytostatics have a high neurotoxic potential, which can lead to painful peripheral neuropathies and, as a consequence, dose reductions or discontinuation of chemotherapy. A recent study found that the symptoms can be alleviated with the help of the antidepressant duloxetine.

Many cytostatic therapies are associated with acute and chronic nerve damage. Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy is particularly feared, especially since it is often therapy-limiting.

In order not to diminish the success of the treatment and the quality of life of the cancer patients affected, the prevention and therapy of chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy are particularly important.