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Review
. 2013 Jul;4(4):204-15.

Peripheral neuropathy caused by Paclitaxel and docetaxel: an evaluation and comparison of symptoms

Cindy Tofthagen  1 , R Denise McAllister  1 , Constance Visovsky  1
Affiliations
Review

Peripheral neuropathy caused by Paclitaxel and docetaxel: an evaluation and comparison of symptoms

Cindy Tofthagen et al. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, distress, and timing of neuropathic symptoms in cancer patients receiving taxanes and to explore neuropathy-related interference with activities. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 68 adult outpatients receiving paclitaxel (n = 36) and docetaxel (n = 32) completed the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool and a demographic questionnaire. Muscle or joint aches were the most prevalent symptom. Muscle or joint aches were also the most severe and distressing symptom in persons receiving paclitaxel. Participants receiving paclitaxel reported that neuropathic symptoms interfered with a mean of 7.3 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.1) of 14 activities. Nerve pain was the most severe and distressing symptom in persons receiving docetaxel. Participants receiving docetaxel reported that neuropathic symptoms interfered with a mean of 7.1 (SD = 4.1) of 14 activities. Numbness in the feet was the most frequent or constant symptom in persons receiving paclitaxel or docetaxel. Patients receiving paclitaxel and docetaxel experienced similar symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and interference with activities. Continued focus on treatment of painful neuropathy including myalgias and arthralgias is needed.

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Figures

Table 1
Table 1
Table 1. Gender, Marital Status, Income, Race/Ethnicity, Cancer Type/Stage, and Employment Status
Table 2
Table 2
Table 2. Age, Years of Education, Cumulative Dose of Taxane, and Chemotherapy Cycle Number
Table 3
Table 3
Table 3. Prevalence, Severity, Distress, and Frequency of Neuropathic Symptoms in Patients Receiving Paclitaxel (n = 36)
Table 4
Table 4
Table 4. Prevalence, Severity, Distress, and Frequency of Neuropathic Symptoms in Patients Receiving Docetaxel (n = 32)
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5. Characteristics of Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
Table 6
Table 6
Table 6. Characteristics of Numbness and Tingling in the Feet
Table 7
Table 7
Table 7. Location and Timing of Cold Sensitivity
Table 8
Table 8
Table 8. Location, Description, and Timing of Nerve Pain
Table 9
Table 9
Table 9. Location and Timing of Muscle or Joint Aches
Table 10
Table 10
Table 10. Location and Timing of Muscle Weakness
Table 11
Table 11
Table 11. Timing of Loss of Balance
Table 12
Table 12
Table 12. Frequency, Percent, and Mean Interference Score
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