Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse effect of taxane and platinum-based cancer treatments that causes pain, burning, numbness, tingling and pins and needles in the feet and hands, motor weakness, dizziness when standing, temperature and fall-related injuries, and impaired quality of life. More than 60% of patients may suffer from acute CIPN and 30% at 6 months after treatment. However, few prospective studies exist and the trajectory of CIPN, as well as the associated biopsychosocial risk factors, remain poorly understood.  

 

The objective of this project is to evaluate age-related patterns in the trajectory, biopsychosocial risk factors, and in relation to the impact of acute and chronic painful and non-painful CIPN. This project will collect data from young and older women and men with different types of cancer receiving taxane or platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients will participate in 7 meetings during their care trajectory, where assessments will include physical tests to evaluate CIPN and its impact, quantitative sensory tests to evaluate sensation and pain threshold to different stimuli, and self-report questionnaires assessing CIPN, pain and physical and psychosocial wellbeing. 

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This is the first longitudinal study using biopsychosocial and developmental life-course approaches to study CIPN. It will help generate new information about the onset, trajectory, risks, recovery, and injuries associated with CIPN over the adult life course. This will help identify the patients who are most at risk, potentially modifiable elements to target for prevention interventions and the critical times when these interventions should be implemented. It will advise the development of personalized care and support of symptoms and may contribute to improved quality of life during and after cancer. 

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