Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity (CIPN) is commonly seen in 30-50 % of patients receiving chemotherapy. It shows distinctive clinical presentation: gloves and socks distribution are typical, with uncomfortable abnormal sensation. Causative agents include platinum, taxane, and vinca alkaloid. They are often used as key drugs in treating many cancers not only in palliative settings but also curative intent. CIPN is dose-limiting toxicity and it lasts for a long time. Once it occurs, it prevents many daily activities such as eating with chopsticks, putting buttons, writing with pen, or walking, all of which deteriorate patients’ quality of life. Hence, CIPN is highly problematic for both cancer survivors and patients receiving palliative chemotherapy.
However, the management of CIPN is often difficult. Many challenges of prevention and treatment for CIPN have been tried, but successful treatment strategy has not been established.
In this symposium, pathophysiology and evidence regarding CIPN will be reviewed, and future perspectives will be discussed.