Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceived chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in patients with breast cancer who received taxane-based chemotherapy.

Methods: A total of 74 patients with breast cancer who underwent taxane-based chemotherapy were screened and invited to participate in this study. Perceived symptoms of CIPN were assessed via the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (EORTC-CIPN20) questionnaire after the completion of systemic treatment within a month and a half. Sensory, motor, and autonomic subscale scores were calculated and analyzed for each patient.

Results: This study included 52 patients with breast cancer. The mean total exposure dose was 2093.92±1266.22 mg. The rates of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were similar (n=25 vs. n=27). Most patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (65.4%). The types of chemotherapy regimen were combined anthracycline and paclitaxel (n=28), docetaxel (n=14), and combined anthracycline, pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel (n=10). Patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy had significantly higher scores in the perceived symptoms of CIPN motor function subscale of EORTC-CIPN20 (z=-2.838, p=0.005). The autonomic subscale of EORTC-CIPN20 was significantly correlated with age (r=-0.373, p=0.006) and with the total exposure dose of chemotherapy (r=0.295, p=0.034).

Conclusion: The type of surgery, specifically MRM, which has been emphasized as a contributing factor to CIPN, should be taken into consideration for further potential deterioration. By this means, it is reasonable to state that not only ongoing monitoring of the CIPN is of utmost importance, but also potential contributors to the management of the CIPN are of great importance.