Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy's effects on health-related quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors

Abstract

Oxaliplatin is a highly neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agent routinely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Recent data suggest that oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy may be long-lasting; however, the effects of persistent neuropathy on colorectal cancer survivors' physical and emotional well-being are not well understood. This cross sectional, descriptive study included persons who had received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center between 2003 and 2010. Questionnaires including the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Insomnia Severity Index, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, and a demographic survey were administered. Pearson's correlations and linear regression analyses were used to examine relationships between neuropathy and depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Eighty-nine percent of participants reported at least one symptom of peripheral neuropathy with a mean of 3.8 (±2.4) neuropathic symptoms. Depressive symptoms on the CES-D were significantly associated with more severe peripheral neuropathy(r = 0.38, p = 0.0001) and interference with activities (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001). Higher degrees of sleep disturbance on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were significantly associated with more severe peripheral neuropathy (r = 0.35, p = 0.0004) and interference with activities(r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). HRQOL was significantly associated with peripheral neuropathy and interference with activities.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The primary author reports no conflict of interest, has full control of all primary data and agrees to allow the journal to review the data if requested.