Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and vitamin B12 deficiency

Excerpt

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) continues to be a major concern for oncological practise considering the increasing number of cancer survivors and the lack of standardised prevention or treatment [1]. The incidence of CIPN depends on the chemotherapy agent administered but is estimated to occur in one third of all patients undergoing chemotherapy [2, 3]. The prevalence of CIPN has been estimated to be 68.1 % the first month after the administration of neurotoxic chemotherapy agents and 60 % 3 months post chemotherapy treatment. Patients were found to still have 30 % prevalence 6 months or more after chemotherapy according to the results published in a systematic review conducted in 2014 [4]. Patients experiencing moderate to severe CIPN report a reduced quality of life [5], chronic discomfort [6] and disruption of physical abilities for general life activities which can be temporary or permanent [5]. …