Predictors of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy that often develops in response to administration of various drugs, including, molecularly targeted therapeutic agents (bortezomib), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), platinum compounds, platinum-containing drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin), vinca alkaloids (vincristine), thalidomide, lenalidomide, and epothilones (ixabepilone) (Kannarkat et al., 2007; Ocean et al., 2004; Park et al.,2008; Walker et al., 2007; Windebank et al., 2008; Wolf et al., 2008). It has been postulated that CIPN may represent the initial stage in the development of neuropathic pain. Although the symptoms of CIPN are diverse, the condition consistently reduces patient quality of life (QOL). Unfortunately, effective strategies for preventing or treating CIPN remain elusive. To identify significant predictors for CIPN which would contribute to improving QOL among chemotherapy patients, we conducted a study, entitled, "Statistical identification of predictors for peripheral neuropathy associated with administration of bortezomib, taxanes, oxaliplatin or vincristine using ordered logistic regression analysis" (Kanbayashi et al., 2010). In this review, we will discuss the predictors for CIPN and review other studies.