Post-chemotherapy neuropathy

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anticancer chemotherapeutics can induce painful peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms range widely and can involve sensory, motor, and autonomic systems. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is under-assessed and undertreated and its diagnosis is somewhat complicated by the lack of consensus on its pathophysiology and presentation. The objective of this study was to review medical publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese, in the last ten years, about painful peripheral neuropathy. CONTENTS: Systematic literature review on painful peripheral neuropathy associated with systemic anticancer chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Although limited reliable evidence regarding the appropriate treatment for this condition exists, it is based on current neuropathic pain guidelines. Further studies on differences between the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and those of other neuropathic pain conditions may lead to the development of more effective treatment modalities. Additionally, therapeutic strategies for the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy must be validated by large-scale randomized clinical trials to meet the demands of evidenced-based medicine.