

A recent global study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine has revealed that chemotherapy leads to persistent, severe nerve pain in 4 out of 10 cancer patients. The study, which analyzed data from 77 studies across 28 countries, highlights the growing challenge of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and calls for personalized pain management strategies.
Chemotherapy, while life-saving, can damage healthy nerve cells, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and mobility issues. The findings suggest that platinum-based drugs and taxanes are associated with the highest risk of long-term neuropathy, with lung cancer patients showing the greatest prevalence at 62%.
The study pooled data from 10,962 cancer patients, of whom 4,545 experienced chronic nerve pain lasting more than three months. Geographic disparities were also noted, with Asian patients experiencing the highest prevalence (46.5%), while European patients reported the lowest (36%).
Lead researchers stress that early diagnosis and tailored pain management strategies are essential in addressing this growing health burden. Understanding individual risk factors, such as chemotherapy type, dosage, and pre-existing conditions, could lead to better treatment protocols and improved quality of life for cancer survivors.
Despite variations in study methodologies, the findings underscore the urgent need for personalized pain relief solutions. Researchers advocate for further studies to explore why certain chemotherapy regimens and patient demographics face higher risks, ultimately aiming to develop interventions that minimize chronic pain post-treatment.
As cancer survival rates improve, the focus must shift toward managing long-term side effects. Patients and healthcare providers should discuss neuropathy risks before starting chemotherapy and consider preventive or therapeutic strategies to mitigate long-term damage.
Join us at HerHealth Oncology Congress 2025 to get the latest updates on oncology.
More Information: D’Souza, R. S., et al. (2025). Global estimates of prevalence of chronic painful neuropathy among patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 28 countries, 2000–24. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2024-106229
more recommended stories
Higher BMI and Hypothyroidism Risk Study
A major longitudinal study from Canada.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Reduces Biological Age
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), especially when.
Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Delays Persist
Delays in childhood cancer diagnosis remain.
Hypothalamic Changes in Eating Disorders Explained
Groundbreaking MRI scans reveal microstructural hypothalamic.
Rapid Blood Test for Rare Diseases Revolutionizes Pediatric Diagnosis
A groundbreaking blood test developed by.
Blood Markers for Teen Depression: A Breakthrough in Early Detection
Mental health professionals and researchers have.
Long-Term Antidepressant Use Increases Withdrawal Risk
A new study led by researchers.
Cell Painting Identifies Flavonoids for Bladder Cancer
In a breakthrough led by Baylor.
Young Adult Cancer Survivors Mental Health Struggles
New research from the University of.
Lecanemab Access Disparities Limit Equity
Lecanemab access disparities are raising red.
Leave a Comment