3984 - Everyday life with Long-term Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy among Patient in Adjuvant Treatment for Colorectal Cancer – a Multi Methods Study

Background

Studies describe that up to 90 % of all patients develop chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) during and after treatment for colorectal cancer with the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin. Patients may struggle with CIPN many years after treatment completion, and in worst case live with it permanently with deep impact on their everyday life. Until date, there is no treatment to prevent or treat CIPN. Thus, it is urgent to understand the influence of CIPN and detect early signs of this side effect. Still, no golden standard method of assessment and evaluation of CIPN exists. The study aims to answer: 1. What questionnaire is deemed suitable by patients and nurses regarding reporting and sharing the experience of side effects during and after oxaliplatin treatment? 2. How does chemotherapy CIPN progresses and impact everyday life among patients receiving oxaliplatin from initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy until 3 years follow up? 3. How do patients experience and cope with CIPN and how does it influence on their perception of body and self in everyday life during and after adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer?

Methods

The study applies a multi-methods design. To ensure the practicability and meaningfulness of the questionnaire, the questionnaire are chosen in collaboration with patients and nurses in the clinical setting. Two questionnaires are tested; functional assessment of cancer treatment gynecological oncology group neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) and Oxaliplatin associated neurotoxicity questionnaire (OANQ). To explore a more precise and a common understanding and perception of the grade of CIPN, a three-year follow up with the chosen questionnaires will be conducted. The patients’ experiences of side effects are explored within a phenomenological frame of reference and individual in-depth interviews.

Results

The study contributes to identification of early and late signs of CIPN and provides insight into the challenges patients experience. It may assist healthcare providers to address the specific needs of these patients.

Conclusions

The study is ongoing.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Marlene Ægidiussen Jensen.

Funding

The Novo Nordisk Foundation - Nursing research.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.