Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) on Motor and Sensory Function

As cancer survival rates have been increased due to technological developments and early detection strategies, there has been been a growing need to assess the effect of long-term complications and adverse effects upon patients' functionality and quality of life. Chemotherapy, which is accepted to be the body of systemic adjuvant therapy is attributed to long-term survival, yet some side effects such as sarcopenia, loss of muscle strength and functional capacity, fatigue, and sensory disturbances due to the neurotoxic effects have been well known. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a condition that is characterized by main loss of cutaneous sensation especially in the distal part of the extremities. CIPN affects approximately 30-40% of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Loss of sensation in distal sides of upper and lower extremities may cause not only deterioration of fine hand skills but also loss of balance and thereby one's mobility and independence are detrimentally affected. Thus, this study is aimed to assess CIPN in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in a longitudinal design by assessing the cutaneous function of the sensory nerves and related effect of motor function.