abstract: JCO - Natural History of (Taxol) Paclitaxel-Associated Acute Pain Syndrome: Prospective Cohort Study NCCTG N08C1

Abstract

Purpose The characteristics and natural history of the
paclitaxel–acute pain syndrome (P-APS) and paclitaxel's
more chronic neuropathy have not been well delineated. 

Methods Patients receiving weekly paclitaxel (70 to 90 mg/m²) completed daily questionnaires and weekly European
Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) –20
instruments during the entire course of therapy. 

Results P-APS symptoms peaked 3 days after chemotherapy.
Twenty percent of patients had pain scores of 5 to 10 of 10 with
the first dose of paclitaxel. Sensory neuropathy symptoms wer
e more prominent than were motor or autonomic neuropathy

symptoms. Of the sensory neuropathy symptoms, numbness and
tingling were more prominent than was shooting or burning pain. Patients with higher P-APS pain scores with the first dose of
paclitaxel appeared to have more chronic neuropathy. 

Conclusion These data support that the P-APS is related to nerve pathology as opposed to being arthralgias and/or myalgias.
Numbness and tingling are more prominent chronic neuropathic symptoms than is shooting or burning pain. 

define:  arthralgias: Aches or pains in joints, without obvious
swelling, warmth, or redness.
vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/whatis/glossary.html

define: myalgias:  pain in a muscle or group of muscles
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn