Factors associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-related reduced taxane dose or premature discontinuation in women with early-stage breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: In the absence of treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), dose reductions (DR) and premature discontinuation (PD) are primary management strategies. However, decision-making guidance is insufficient and knowledge of factors associated with DRPD is limited. We examined biopsychosocial factors associated with CIPN-related DR/PD in women undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Patients and methods: As part of a longitudinal study of CIPN measurement, women completed assessments before the first taxane infusion and at the final infusion or within the originally expected timeframe for the final infusion. Participants completed self-report measures of CIPN, pain, and physical and psychosocial wellbeing, and underwent physical testing of lower limb disability and Quantitative Sensory Testing for sensation and pain threshold to thermal, vibration, and touch stimuli in the feet and hands. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with neuropathy-related DRPD. Results: Among 121 participants, 66 (54.5%) received taxane-as-prescribed, 46 (38.0%) had neuropathy-related DRPD, and 9 (7.4%) had DR/PD for other reasons. Factors associated with neuropathy-related DR/PD were receipt of paclitaxel (Odds Ratio [OR]=75.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.56-2197.96]), lower pre-treatment pain catastrophizing (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95), and higher post-treatment neuropathic pain (OR=10.77, 95% CI: 1.99-58.15) and sensitivity to cold pain in the hand (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.05-2.56). Conclusion: CIPN-related DRPD is associated with paclitaxel treatment and post-treatment neuropathic pain and cold pain sensitivity in the hands. CIPN communication to healthcare providers may be influenced by pain catastrophizing, suggesting symptom appraisal may be an important factor in communication. Findings could contribute to clinical practice recommendations to facilitate treatment decision-making.