Peripheral neuropathy occurs when some chemotherapy drugs cause inflammation or injury to your peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves include the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord such as nerves of the face, arms, legs and torso.¹ When they are damaged, it can impact sensation, movement and function in these parts of your body – limbs tend to be the most commonly affected. There can also be other effects throughout the body related to nerve damage.

Peripheral neuropathy is associated with a small number of specific chemotherapy drugs. The effects are commonly related to the dose administered and cumulative treatments.

Your health care team will discuss if you are at risk of peripheral neuropathy before starting treatment. Treatment doses will be carefully monitored to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy. If you are having a drug called oxaliplatin you should avoid cold drinks and food before and after each treatment. If you do experience symptoms you should report them to your care team as they may consider modifying the treatment regime (e.g. reducing the dose or temporarily ceasing the treatment) to prevent further progression. Symptoms to report include:

• pins and needles
• numbness, pain and/or increased discomfort with certain sensations (particularly in the arms and legs)
• muscle weakness
• inability to perform normal activities (such as buttoning a shirt or picking up a coin from a flat surface)
• constipation

Symptoms are commonly managed similarly to other types of nerve pain with a combination of non-pharmacological treatments (e.g. massage) and medications (e.g. pain medication and antidepressants).

If you do experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to consider the below to ensure your safety:

• taking care when mobilising and reduce your risk of falls
  • keeping room well lit
  • removing or securing rugs
  • avoiding slippery, wet floors
• avoiding burns
  • adjusting hot water temperature
  • testing bath water with elbow
  • using oven mitts and pot holders in kitchen
• avoiding trauma
  • keeping feet uncovered in bed
  • avoiding tight fitting shoes
  • wearing roomy, cotton socks
  • taking care cutting food and opening jars
  • wearing boots and gloves when working in the garden
  • wearing gloves and warm socks in cold weather
  • avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

You may also be referred to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.