Patient and Clinician Views on Risk Prediction for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

TY - JOUR

T1 - Patient and Clinician Views on Risk Prediction for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

AU - Holzer, Katherine J.

AU - Haroutounian, Simon

AU - Colvin, Lesley A.

AU - Frey, Karen A.

AU - Stout, Justin J.

AU - Abraham, Joanna

N1 - Copyright: © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

PY - 2026

Y1 - 2026

N2 - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, often debilitating side effect of oxaliplatin, a standard treatment for colorectal cancer. CIPN can cause pain, functional impairment, and cold hypersensitivity, frequently leading to treatment modifications that impact both quality of life and clinical outcomes. Although risk factors are known, no validated tools exist to predict an individual’s CIPN risk, limiting opportunities for proactive management. This study explored patient and clinician perspectives on CIPN risk, its effects on treatment and daily life, and the potential value of risk prediction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients with colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin and six clinicians (four oncologists, two nurse practitioners) from an academic hospital. Thematic analysis identified shared concerns and needs related to CIPN. Clinicians consistently described neuropathy as oxaliplatin’s most concerning side effect and reported that it often necessitated dose modifications. Patients reported sensory disturbances, functional limitations, and significant lifestyle disruption. Both groups expressed strong interest in tools to predict CIPN risk, with clinicians emphasizing the importance of clinically actionable, accurate, and workflow-integrated approaches. Findings highlight the potential of CIPN risk prediction to improve care and support treatment decisions, while demonstrating the need for strategies that balance efficacy with quality-of-life considerations.

AB - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, often debilitating side effect of oxaliplatin, a standard treatment for colorectal cancer. CIPN can cause pain, functional impairment, and cold hypersensitivity, frequently leading to treatment modifications that impact both quality of life and clinical outcomes. Although risk factors are known, no validated tools exist to predict an individual’s CIPN risk, limiting opportunities for proactive management. This study explored patient and clinician perspectives on CIPN risk, its effects on treatment and daily life, and the potential value of risk prediction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients with colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin and six clinicians (four oncologists, two nurse practitioners) from an academic hospital. Thematic analysis identified shared concerns and needs related to CIPN. Clinicians consistently described neuropathy as oxaliplatin’s most concerning side effect and reported that it often necessitated dose modifications. Patients reported sensory disturbances, functional limitations, and significant lifestyle disruption. Both groups expressed strong interest in tools to predict CIPN risk, with clinicians emphasizing the importance of clinically actionable, accurate, and workflow-integrated approaches. Findings highlight the potential of CIPN risk prediction to improve care and support treatment decisions, while demonstrating the need for strategies that balance efficacy with quality-of-life considerations.

KW - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

KW - Clinician decision-making

KW - Colorectal cancer

KW - Oxaliplatin

KW - Patient perspectives

KW - Risk prediction

KW - colorectal cancer

KW - risk prediction

KW - oxaliplatin

KW - clinician decision-making

KW - patient perspectives

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105021495110

U2 - 10.1080/15360288.2025.2571532

DO - 10.1080/15360288.2025.2571532

M3 - Article

C2 - 41105791

SN - 1536-0288

VL - 40

SP - 20

EP - 31

JO - Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy

JF - Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy

IS - 1

ER -