An Overview of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Resulting from Regimens Used in Gynecologic Malignancies

Purpose Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy poses a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and often results in chemotherapy dose reductions or discontinuation. Multiple treatment modalities have been investigated, with few that have shown measurable clinical improvement. This paper is a review of the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the utility of the available prevention and treatment modalities. We narrowed the focus of the review to only include chemotherapy regimens used in gynecologic oncology. Methods Over 50 articles were reviewed across various search engines using keywords such as “chemotherapy-induced neuropathy” with specific agents including taxanes, platinum-based therapies, vincristine, and bortezomib individually researched to provide a comprehensive review of their mechanisms of action and etiologies of neuropathy. Gynecologic and non-gynecologic literature was reviewed with keywords “chemotherapy-induced neuropathy treatment” or “prevention.” A total of 43 references were included. Results A comprehensive review of the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical patterns, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as result of regimens used in gynecologic malignancies was summarized in this paper. The therapies identified to have significance for treatment were duloxetine, photobiomodulation, and possibly capsaicin patches. Conclusion Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can greatly impact a large portion of the gynecologic oncology population. It is important for the clinician to have a fundamental understanding of clinical manifestations and treatment modalities available. Continued dedicated research in both prevention and treatment is needed to improve the care of our patients, especially given the paucity of research specific to the gynecologic oncology population.