Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy symptoms in cancer patients and associations with age and sex: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

There is limited evidence on the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients, particularly in the Maule Region of Chile.

Aim

To characterize symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among patients undergoing chemotherapy for various types of cancer at a Public Hospital in the Maule Region of Chile. The secondary objective was to assess sex-related differences in peripheral neuropathy symptoms and to examine the association between age and neurotoxicity symptoms.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing chemotherapy were remotely assessed, and their sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. CIPN was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity questionnaire (FACT-GOG-NTX) questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were performed, along with the Mann–Whitney test for gender differences and Spearman’s Rho for correlations with age were used.

Results

Of the 122 patients (mean age 58), 74.6% were women, 32.8% had breast cancer, and 22.1% were at stage III. Pain was reported by 32% of patients. Former smokers made up 39%, and 47.5% were occasional alcohol drinkers. Women had lower social/family well-being (SWB) and functional well-being (FWB) than men (p < 0.05), with no other significant differences. In women, higher age correlated with lower SWB and emotional well-being (EWB) (Rho = −0.31 and −0.30, respectively) and greater neurotoxicity symptoms (Rho = 0.22).

Conclusion

CIPN affects adult women, particularly those employed, with outcomes linked to pain and stage III cancer, often involving tobacco and alcohol use. Women report lower well-being scores than men. Hematologic and multiple myeloma patients had the lowest FACT-GOG-NTX scores. Symptoms primarily impact sensory and motor function, emphasizing the need for early neurotoxicity assessment and treatment.