Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves caused by certain cancer drugs. It can produce tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or changes in balance and reflexes.

Peripheral nervous system: The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the central nervous system with the body. These are the nerves chemotherapy can damage, especially sensory fibers in the hands and feet.
Neurotoxicity: Harmful effects of a substance on the structure or function of the nervous system. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is one form of treatment-related neurotoxicity.
Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage associated with diabetes, commonly affecting sensation in the feet and legs. Diabetes can cause similar symptoms, but its cause and treatment differ from chemotherapy toxicity.
Coasting phenomenon: Delayed worsening of neuropathy symptoms after exposure to a neurotoxic chemotherapy drug has ended. Some platinum-related symptoms progress after treatment, complicating follow-up and recovery estimates.
Axon: The long projection of a nerve cell that carries electrical signals away from its cell body. Some chemotherapy drugs disrupt axons, impairing signal transmission along peripheral nerves.
Paclitaxel: A taxane chemotherapy drug that stabilizes microtubules and is used to treat several cancers. Paclitaxel commonly causes dose-related sensory neuropathy.
Alcoholic neuropathy: Peripheral nerve damage associated with chronic heavy alcohol use and related nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol exposure can mimic or compound treatment-related nerve damage.
Neuroprotection: Strategies that prevent or reduce damage to nerve cells and their functions. No broadly established preventive drug reliably prevents this neuropathy without compromising cancer treatment.
Microtubule: A protein-based cellular structure that supports cell shape and transports materials within cells. Taxanes and vinca alkaloids interfere with microtubules, disrupting transport inside long nerve fibers.
Oxaliplatin: A platinum-based chemotherapy drug used especially in colorectal cancer treatment. Oxaliplatin can cause acute cold-triggered sensations as well as cumulative neuropathy.

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