309: PREVALENCE OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND NEUROPATHIC PAIN RELATED TO CHEMOTHERAPY

Topic: Clinical Science
Subtopic: Non-specific to any diagnosis, Epidemiology

Background and Aims: Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common neurological complications associated with the use of chemotherapy drugs, significantly affecting patients functional capacity in their daily activities. In this context, nurses play a key role in the early detection and management of symptoms. It is essential to train these professionals to effectively identify, assess, and intervene in the risks related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Objective: To investigate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy symptoms and neuropathic pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy in the context of antineoplastic treatment.

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted at a specialized cancer treatment center in Brazil, with the participation of adult patients undergoing chemotherapy. Sociodemographic and clinical information were assessed by personal interviews, in addition to the application of the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (FANPIQ) and the DN4 Questionnaire, designed to screen for neuropathic pain. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing at the University of São Paulo (USP), under number CAAE: 76337023.0.0000.5392.

Results: The study sample consisted predominantly of men (56%) and white individuals (71.3%), with a mean age of 56.9 years and a mean education level of 14.9 years. The most types of cancer were colorectal (30.6%), upper digestive tract (21%), and hematological neoplasms (15.3%). Most participants were in their fifth cycle of chemotherapy, with platinum analogues being the most commonly used (65%). The prevalence of CIPN was 82.8%. The most frequently symptoms: sensitivity to cold (47.8%) and weakness in the limbs (37.1%). Among patients who reported pain (16.4%), the DN4 identified characteristics compatible with neuropathic pain in 61.5%.

Conclusions: Symptoms of CIPN were highly prevalent in the population analyzed. Although neuropathic pain was less common, its intensity ranged from moderate to severe. The presence of CIPN negatively affected patients functionality, especially in physical activities, sexual life, and work performance, highlighting the need for special
attention to these aspects in oncological care. In this context, the essential role of nursing in the early identification of CIPN stands out. Investing in the training of these professionals is fundamental to ensuring patient-centered care, allowing timely interventions that minimize the effects of CIPN and promote better therapeutic outcomes.

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Presenting Author: Ruan Nilton Rodrigues Melo
Submitting Author: Ruan Melo

Senior Author: Marina de Góes Salvetti

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: Yes

• Ruan Nilton Rodrigues Melo: Master degree - USP School of Nursing
• Bianca Pimentel de Moura: Bachelor degree - A.C.Camargo Cancer Center
• Letícia Aragon Rodrigues: Specialist Nurse - A.C.Camargo Cancer Center
• Melissa Kazue Nita: Graduate Student - USP School of nursing
• Marina de Góes Salvetti: Doctor - USP School of Nursing