Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN): what we need and what we know

• Published in: Journal of the peripheral nervous system Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 66 - 76
• Main Author: Cavaletti, Guido
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Wiley Periodicals, Inc 01.06.2014
• Subjects: chemotherapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - complications; Humans; neuropathy; Neurotoxicity Syndromes - complications; Neurotoxicity Syndromes - economics; Neurotoxicity Syndromes - etiology; pathogenesis; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - complications; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - economics; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - etiology; toxicity; treatment; toxicity; pathogenesis; treatment; neuropathy; chemotherapy
• ISSN: 1085-9489; 1529-8027; 1529-8027
• DOI: 10.1111/jns5.12073

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is one of the most frequent and severe long‐term side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Preclinical and clinical studies have extensively investigated CIPN searching for effective strategies to limit its severity or to treat CIPN‐related impairment, but the results have been disappointing. Among the reasons for this failure are methodological flaws in both preclinical and clinical investigations. Their successful resolution might provide a brighter perspective for future studies. Among the several neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs, oxaliplatin may offer a clear example of a methodological approach eventually leading to successful clinical trials. However, the same considerations apply to the other neurotoxic agents and, although frequently neglected, also to the new “targeted” agents.