Cisplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Observational Descriptive Study

Abstract

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a major adverse effect of cisplatin chemotherapy. A prospective observational study was conducted among 200 cancer patients who received cisplatin between October 2017 and March 2018 to evaluate the occurrence, causality and severity of cisplatin induced peripheral neuropathy. A suitable data collection form was used to record patient information required for the study. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the National Cancer Institute- Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE). As per the results, 19 (9.5%) patients developed peripheral neuropathy after receiving cisplatin therapy. Peripheral neuropathy was reported higher in males (84.2%) compared to females (15.7%) and more within the age group of 58-65 years (38.6%). Most of the patients developed Grade I neuropathy (84.2%), followed by Grade II neuropathy (15.7%). The study concluded that the severity of peripheral neuropathy increases with higher cumulative doses of cisplatin.