Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients. Results from the PROFILES registry

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A.J.M. Beijers, S. Oerlemans, F. Mols, M.C. Minnema, L.V. van de Poll-Franse, G. Vreugdenhil

Voorzitter(s): prof. dr. Y. Smulders, VUmc, Amsterdam & dr. Y.W.J. Sijpkens, Bronovo Ziekenhuis, Den Haag

Woensdag 22 april 2015

15:00 - 16:00u in Auditorium 2

Categorieën: parallelsessie (case reports/research)

Parallel sessie: Parallelsessie 2: Case reports/research

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Background:
Multiple myeloma (MM) patients often experience chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). We aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of CIPN and the influence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample of MM patients.

Methods:
All MM patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2014 as identified by the the Netherlands Cancer Registry, location Eindhoven, and alive at registration, were eligible. With a response rate of 74%, 130 patients completed the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-MY20 mean 3.5 years since diagnosis.

Results:
Patients received treatment with one (49%) or more (42%) neurotoxic agents (total 92%), including thalidomide (50%), bortezomib (48%), lenalidomide (39%) and/or vincristine (7%). Neuropathy symptoms that bothered patients most during the past week were trouble getting an erection (46% of men), tingling toes/feet (30%), numbness in toes/feet (20%), tingling fingers/hands (19%) and trouble opening jars/bottles (19%). There were no differences in neuropathy subscale scores between patients who received treatment with only one vs. a combination of more neurotoxic agents. Patients who received treatment with neurotoxic agents within the last 3 months reported significant worse sensory subscale scores than patients who received their last treatment more than 12 months before (21 vs. 12; p=0.01). Patients with many sensory symptoms reported significant and clinically relevant worse HRQOL scores on all EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 subscales.

Conclusion:
CIPN is a common side-effect reported in 54% of MM patients. Especially many sensory symptoms have a negative influence on HRQOL. Future studies should focus on the prevention and treatment of CIPN.