Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is nerve damage caused by some cancer medicines, usually starting as tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes. It is common with platinum drugs (oxaliplatin, cisplatin), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), vinca alkaloids and bortezomib. It can improve after treatment ends, but for some people it lasts months or years.
Symptoms
- Tingling, numbness or burning in hands and feet
- Cold sensitivity (especially with oxaliplatin)
- Trouble with buttons, writing or balance
Burning, numb or tingling feet for months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
During chemotherapy
Tell your oncology team early. They may adjust the dose or schedule. Never change cancer treatment on your own.
Treatment after chemotherapy
- Duloxetine is the one medicine the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) says may be offered for painful CIPN
- Exercise and balance training
- Foot and hand protection
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Supportive regenerative care
Many cancer survivors with lasting neuropathy choose stem cell or PRP treatment to ease symptoms once cancer treatment is complete. These are supportive treatments, not a cancer treatment, and are planned with your oncologist's agreement.
Burning, numb or tingling feet for months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Which drugs cause it
| Drug group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Platinum drugs | Oxaliplatin, cisplatin, carboplatin |
| Taxanes | Paclitaxel, docetaxel |
| Vinca alkaloids | Vincristine |
| Proteasome inhibitors | Bortezomib |
| Others | Thalidomide, some immunotherapy combinations |
How long it lasts
Symptoms often peak around the end of treatment and improve over the following months. Oxaliplatin can keep getting worse for a few months after the last dose ("coasting"). For some people symptoms last years.
Everyday tips
- Wear gloves for cold items if you are sensitive to cold
- Check feet daily and wear supportive shoes
- Use non-slip mats and good lighting to prevent falls
- Ask for occupational therapy for buttons, writing or kitchen tasks
Treatment options after cancer treatment
- Stem cell treatment to support nerve repair, with your oncologist's agreement
- Duloxetine for painful symptoms (ASCO)
- Exercise and balance training
- PRP around affected nerves
Talk to your oncologist
Bring a list of symptoms and how they affect daily life. Regenerative treatment is planned around your cancer follow-up, never instead of it.
