Investigation of the Effect of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) on Sensory and Motor Function in Patients With Cancer

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which affects over 30-40% of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy cause cutaneous loss of sensation. A specific and selective function carries great importance not only in daily life but also in task-specific complex movements. Since the long-term survival of cancer is increased, back to work is quite important in both one's participation in community life and financial issues. Irrespective of age or other socio-clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, patients may be affected detrimentally after systemic adjuvant chemotherapy implementation in the perspective of sensory and motor aspects. Thus, this study is aimed to assess cutaneous sensory and motor function in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in a longitudinal design.

Study Setting:

This research was planned as an observational-cross sectional cohort study within a longitudinal design. Patients diagnosed with cancer and applied to medical oncology unit in Izmir Bakircay University Çiğli State and Training Hospital for systemic adjuvant chemotherapy will be assessed in three different time points set as following: Time 1: before chemotherapy application, Time 2: interim time point (approx.8 weeks later) and Time 3: post-chemotherapy time point (12-20 weeks later after initial assessment). The main outcome measures were set as handgrip strength and Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test (MRMT) for motor function while Semmens-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) for sensory evaluation. Secondarily, patients' quality of life and fatigue will be assessed with European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) specific scales such as QLQ-C30 for general quality of life and QLQ-FA12 for fatigue.

Hand Grip Strength:

Hand-Grip Strength Handgrip strength will be assessed with Lafayette Professional Hand Dynamometer, Model 5030L1, LaFayette Instruments, NY, USA). The standard position which can be achieved by 90-degree elbow flexion, shoulder abducted, and hand mid-prone positioned; 90-degree shoulder abduction and 90-degree shoulder abduction positions will be used to assess hang-grip strength. Three measurements will be requested and the maximum value of them will be recorded.