Nerve pain can have a significant impact on quality of life for many people who have undergone chemotherapy as part of their cancer treament. In the video above, Dr. Polly Niravath, a breast oncologist at Houston Methodist, discusses the basics of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) and how it's treated.
Chemotherapy induced neuropathy is common
Many people who have undergone chemotherapy develop at least one or more symptom of neuropathy, which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life after treatment.
Many types of chemotherapy can cause neuropathy. In breast cancer treatment, for instance, chemotherapy induced neuropathy is seen most commonly with paclitaxel, as well as with docetaxel and carboplatin. Sometimes used during colorectal cancer treatment, cisplatin or oxaliplatin can also cause neuropathy, and people being treat for multiple myeloma may recieve a type of chemotherapy that leads to neuopathy symptoms.
Symptoms typically occur in the fingertips and toes
Nerve damage in these areas can feel like tingling, numbness or a shock-like burning. You might also experience muscle weakness, balance issues, or sensitivity to light touch or pressure. These sensations often become worse at night, and the discomfort can linger for months. Simple actions such as buttoning up a shirt, opening a small package, or even walking might be difficult or even impossible. (Related: What Are the Early Warning Signs of Neuropathy?)
Medications may offer some relief
Your care team may prescribe an oral medication such as gabapentin or duloxetine. These drugs can minimize the pain but not cure it. While some people find topical pain relievers such as capsaicin or Voltaren helpful, these creams aren't effective for all patients. (Related: 5 Triggers of Neuropathy & How to Get Relief)
Ask your care team about acupuncture
In a recent clinical trial at Houston Methodist, breast cancer survivors received electroacupuncture therapy, which combines acupuncture with very low frequency electrical stimulation. Participants reported significant improvements in their nerve pain, and some even experienced a resolution of their symptoms.
"This was very exciting, and we hope to bring this to larger trials in the future," says Dr. Niravath. "And eventually hopefully become a standard treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy."
(Related: Neuropathic Pain: What to Do About Pain from Neuropathy)
