Cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Indication for Common Toxicity Criteria Grading of Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire

Abstract

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematological malignancy, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of its most significant adverse drug reactions. While CIPN can be managed through dose adjustments or treatment discontinuation, its assessment relies on patient-reported symptoms. The need for validated tools to accurately assess CIPN and support clinical decisions is critical to improving patient outcomes and ensuring more effective management strategies.

Aim

To perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the Indication for Common Toxicity Criteria Grading of Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire (ICPNQ) to Brazilian Portuguese.

Method

The cross-cultural adaptation process was conducted in five stages: (a) translation, (b) synthesis of translations, (c) submission of the translated version to a panel of experts, (d) pre-testing with the target population, and (e) back-translation into the original language.

Results

The translation team included a specialist in onco-hematology, and the adapted version of the ICPNQ was evaluated by 20 healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, and physicians) with an average of 9.5 years of experience in onco-hematology. The Content Validity Index (CVI) of the overall instrument was 0.98, while the CVIs for presentation and clarity were 0.98, and 0.97 for applicability. A pilot test was performed with 22 patients with MM in a specialized outpatient clinic for onco-hematological diseases in a university hospital. The patients were predominantly male (54.55%), over 65 years (59.09%), and using at least one neurotoxic drug (81.82%). Back-translation confirmed the semantic and cultural equivalence of the instrument's items.

Conclusion

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ICPNQ demonstrates semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence, suitable for application in the Brazilian context.