448P - Incidence and severity of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in geriatric population who are receiving chemotherapy

Background

Use of chemotherapeutic drugs in advanced age geriatric cancer patients is associated with increased treatment related morbidity, one major neurological complication being peripheral neuropathy is one of major disabling morbidity expected in geriatric population due to poor nutrition status and significant co-morbidities. Our study aims to assess the incidence and severity of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in geriatric patients with help of CIPN tools when compared to younger patients on chemotherapy.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in medical oncology wards of tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. Subjects with histological confirmed malignancies who had received planned chemotherapy were recruited in this study. All patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation for screening CIPN at 3rd cycle of chemotherapy, 6^th cycle, follow up to 3 months after cessation by using activity daily living screening tool (eviQ tool) , to assess the incidence and severity of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy with objective gradation according to CTCAE V 4.3. Subjects in the study were divided into two groups to those younger than 60 years (group I, n = 63) and those elder or equal to 60 years (group II, n = 32). The incidence and severity of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in two groups were assessed by screening tools and clinical evaluation.

Results

The incidence of CIPN was more in group II (16/32,IR=50%), (p = 0.282) than group 1 (26/63,IR=44.4%), (p= -0.053). Similarly, according to the CTCAE V4.3 grading, the severity of CIPN was more in group II (p = 0.400) than group I (p = -0.145). The between age groups comparison revealed that there is significant association between increased incidence and severity of CIPN in geriatric patients.

Conclusions

Geriatric patients have greater risk for developing chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) when compared to younger use. Adequate use of supportive care would make the reduction in adverse effects, reduce treatment failures, thus allows adequate dosing of drugs and will improve quality of life.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.