Cancer and Peripheral Nerve Disease

Jonathan Sarezky; George Sachs; Heinrich Elinzano; Kara Stavros

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.003

Cancer and Peripheral Nerve Disease

Clin Geriatr Med. 2021 May;37(2):289-300. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.003. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Authors

Jonathan Sarezky¹, George Sachs¹, Heinrich Elinzano¹, Kara Stavros²

Affiliations

¹ Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street APC5, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
² Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street APC5, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Electronic address: Kara_stavros1@brown.edu.

PMID: 33858611
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.003

Abstract

Patients with cancer may experience neuropathy at any stage of malignancy, ranging from symptoms that are the earliest signs of cancer to side effects of treatment. Peripheral nerves are affected most commonly in a symmetric, stocking-glove pattern. Sensory neuronopathies, plexopathies, and radiculopathies may also be seen. The most common type of neuropathy in patients with cancer is related to chemotherapy, and recently peripheral nerve complications have been described as an effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors too. Other causes include paraneoplastic syndromes, direct tumor infiltration, and radiation. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cancer and management of neuropathic pain.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Neuropathy; Paraneoplastic; Plexopathy; Radiation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / diagnosis
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / etiology*
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Humans
Neoplasms / complications*
Neoplasms / drug therapy
Paraneoplastic Syndromes* / chemically induced
Paraneoplastic Syndromes* / diagnosis
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / complications
Radiation Injuries / complications*
Radiation Injuries / diagnosis

Substances

Antineoplastic Agents