Peripheral Neuropathy Related to Chemotherapy

Objectives

To review the evidence base for prevention and intervention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN).

Data Sources

Medical and nursing literature.

Conclusion

Many small studies that reported positive findings have either not been validated in large prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCT), or have not been further studied. Prevention strategies based on RCTs include the use of xaliproden to reduce the incidence of grade 3 PN in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based regimens, and dose reduction or interruption until recovery. There are gaps in the literature of nurse-sensitive outcome studies for nursing assessment and intervention

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the evidence, or lack of it, on strategies to prevent and manage chemotherapy-induced PN. Nurses also need to measure the effectiveness of interventions for PN, such as exercise, patient teaching about self-care strategies, and develop and/or participate in well-designed intervention studies regarding the prevention and management of PN.

Keywords: Peripheral neuropathy, evidence-based practice, sensory, motor