Statistical Identification of Predictors for Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Breast or Gynaecological Cancer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify predictors for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). 

Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 227 patients who had been treated with paclitaxel at a single institution between January 2008 and July 2011. At the time of chemotherapy completion, the severity of PIPN was graded on a scale of 0-5, in accordance with the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. Multivariate-ordered logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between various predictive factors and the occurrence of PIPN. 

Results: Diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR)=0.070], age (OR=1.991), co-administration of neurotropin (OR=3.654), co-administration of opioids (OR=0.312), co-administration of vitamin B12 (OR=2.554), co-administration of antidepressant (OR=4.754) and co-administration of gabapentinoids (OR=14.620), were significantly associated with reduction of or less serious PIPN. 

Conclusion: Our study indicates that PIPN may be alleviated by co-administration of opioids.