CE: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Am J Nurs. 2021 Apr 1;121(4):26-30. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000742060.56042.e7.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in more than 68% of patients receiving the neurotoxic chemotherapy agents commonly used to treat breast, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and hematologic malignancies. CIPN, often experienced initially as numbness, tingling, or pain in the upper or lower extremities, may progress to the point where the resultant decline in physical function requires a reduction in the chemotherapy dose. This article provides nurses with strategies to use in assessing, managing, and educating patients who are at risk for or who are already experiencing CIPN. Currently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology endorses only one treatment for CIPN: duloxetine 60 mg/day. Discussing CIPN with patients before chemotherapy is initiated and throughout the course of treatment promotes its early identification and management, which may minimize its impact on physical function and chemotherapy dosing, reducing the patient's risk of experiencing chronic symptoms after chemotherapy ends.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aniline Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education*
  • Oncology Nursing / standards
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / nursing
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • United States

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Antineoplastic Agents