Elucidating decision-making by patients and healthcare professionals regarding treatment changes related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Co-Principal Investigators: Lynn R Gauthier, Julie Lemieux, Sarah Béland, Philippe Bérubé-Mercier, Maud Bouffard, Anne Dionne, Joyce Dogba, Robert H. Dworkin, Jennifer Gewandter, Isabelle Laverdière, Annie Leblanc, France Légaré, Jordi Perez, Josée Savard, Alyson Stone, Diane Tapp

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a distressing and poorly understood side effect of taxane- and platinum-based cancer treatments. It causes pain, burning sensations, numbness, tingling, and pins-and-needles in the feet and hands, motor weakness, dizziness when standing, injuries related to temperature and falls, and a decline in quality of life. More than 60% of patients may experience acute CIPN, and 30% still have CIPN six months after treatment. To date, few treatments are available for CIPN symptoms, which is why modifications to chemotherapy regimens—such as dose reduction or early discontinuation—remain the main management strategies.

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However, there are several knowledge gaps regarding how treatment modification decisions related to CIPN are made, and about the needs of patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals in making these decisions. At the time these changes must be considered, the reversibility of CIPN is unknown. Furthermore, the impact on cancer treatment effectiveness, recurrence, and long-term survival remains unclear.

This project therefore aims to better understand how patients, loved ones, and healthcare professionals make decisions related to treatment changes due to CIPN, and to identify their decisional needs.

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This is the first study to provide an in-depth portrait of treatment decision-making needs related to CIPN. The study will contribute to the development of tools to support decision-making based on both evidence and the values of individuals living with CIPN.