Exercise Interventions in Cardio-Oncology Populations: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac toxicity in patients with cancer results from treatment-related damage to the cardiovascular system by chemotherapy, targeted agents, or thoracic radiation. Cardio-oncology patients with co-occurring cancer and cardiovascular disease frequently experience fatigue. Exercise is recommended in clinical guidelines to manage fatigue during or after cancer treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to conduct a scoping review of the exercise randomized clinical trials in cardio-oncology patients, focusing on the components and effects of exercise interventions on patient cardiovascular and fatigue outcomes. METHODS: A scoping review methodological framework was deemed appropriate and used. Key words for search included "cancer," "oncology," "cardio-oncology," "heart failure," "physical activity," and "exercise." Search involved systematic searches of large databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Review, and CINAHL) and hand searches of reference lists, key journals, webpages, and experts in the field using snowballing techniques. RESULTS: There were 12 randomized clinical trials included in this review. Study characteristics, accordance of exercise protocols with recommendations, specific exercise training components, and cardiovascular and fatigue outcomes were mapped. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for addressing the gaps included focusing on non-breast-cancer patients with cardiac toxicity risks, developing precision-based prescriptions based on various medical and physiological characteristics, and adding fatigue symptom experience as an outcome variable.

Examining the Impact of a Web-Based Intervention to Promote Patient Activation in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment and Management.

Lack of activation in self-care can compromise a patient's ability to monitor and manage cancer treatment-related side effects, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The web-based Carevive® Care Planning System (CPS) was developed to promote evidence-based symptom assessment and treatment by enhancing patients' involvement in their own care. The purpose of this single-arm, pre-test/post-test, prospective study was to examine whether the CPS can promote patient activation in CIPN symptom assessment and management. Seventy-five women with breast cancer receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy were recruited from a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Using standardized neuropathy measures embedded within the CPS, patients reported their CIPN symptoms over three consecutive clinical visits and completed the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) at the first and third visits. Mean changes in PAM scores between visits were compared using repeated measure analysis of covariance, adjusting for age. At baseline, patients were diagnosed with cancer within the past year (94.7%), highly activated (85% Level III/IV), and had a mean age of 51.3. PAM scores improved significantly from 67.15 (SD = 13.5; range = 47-100) at visit one to 69.29 (SD = 16.18; range = 47-100) (p = 0.02) (n = 62) at visit three. However, patients perceived the CPS to be of minimal value because it solely focused on CIPN and, for many, CIPN was not severe enough to motivate them to seek out symptom management information. Further research is needed to assess the utility of the CPS in promoting activation in the assessment and management of varying cancer treatment-related symptoms.

Electronic versus paper-pencil methods for assessing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine and compare with the validated, paper/pencil European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Scale (QLQ-CIPN20), the psychometric properties of three electronically administered patient reported outcome (PRO) measures of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): (1) the two neuropathy items from the National Cancer Institute's Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE), (2) the QLQ-CIPN20, and (3) the 0-10 Neuropathy Screening Question (NSQ). METHODS: We employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design and recruited 25 women with breast cancer who were receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy at an academic hospital. Participants completed the paper/pencil QLQ-CIPN20 and electronic versions of the QLQ-CIPN20, PRO-CTCAE, and NSQ. Internal consistency reliability, intraclass correlation, and concurrent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The alpha coefficients for the electronic QLQ-CIPN20 sensory and motor subscales were 0.76 and 0.75. Comparison of the electronic and paper/pencil QLQ-CIPN20 subscales supported mode equivalence (intraclass correlation range >0.91). Participants who reported the presence of numbness/tingling via the single-item NSQ reported higher mean QLQ-CIPN20 sensory subscale scores (p < 0.001). PRO-CTCAE neuropathy severity and interference items correlated well with the QLQ-CIPN20 electronic and paper/pencil sensory (r = 0.76; r = 0.70) and motor (r = 0.55; r = 0.62) subscales, and with the NSQ (r = 0.72; r = 0.44). CONCLUSION: These data support the validity of the electronically administered PRO-CTCAE neuropathy items, NSQ, and QLQ-CIPN20 for neuropathy screening in clinical practice. The electronic and paper/pencil versions of the QLQ-CIPN can be used interchangeably based on evidence of mode equivalence.

Patient-reported (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20) versus physician-reported (CTCAE) quantification of oxaliplatin- and paclitaxel/carboplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in NCCTG/Alliance clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Clinical practice guidelines on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) use the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), while recent clinical trials employ a potentially superior measure, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN twenty-item scale (QLQ-CIPN20), a patient-reported outcome (PRO). Practitioners and researchers lack guidance, regarding how QLQ-CIPN20 results relate to the traditional CTCAE during the serial assessment of patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Two large CIPN clinical trial datasets (538 patients) pairing QLQ-CIPN20 and CTCAE outcomes were analyzed using a multivariable linear mixed model with QLQ-CIPN20 score as the outcome variable, CTCAE grade as the main effect, and patient as random effect (accounting for internal correlation of serial measures). RESULTS: The association between QLQ-CIPN20 scores and CTCAE grades was strong (p < 0.0001), whereby patients with higher CTCAE grade had worse QLQ-CIPN20 scores. Some variation of QLQ-CIPN20 scores was observed based on drug, treatment, and cycle. While there was a marked difference in the mean QLQ-CIPN20 scores between CTCAE grades, the ranges of QLQ-CIPN20 scores within each CTCAE grade were large, leading to large overlap in CIPN20 scores across CTCAE grades. CONCLUSIONS: A strong positive association of QLQ-CIPN20 scores and CTCAE grade provides evidence of convergent validity as well as practical guidance, as to how to quantitatively interpret QLQ-CIPN20 scores at the study level in terms of the traditional CTCAE. The present results also highlight an important clinical caveat, specifically, that conversion of a specific QLQ-CIPN20 score to a specific CTCAE score may not be reliable at the level of an individual patient.

Pilot Testing a Web-Based System for the Assessment and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Because numerous barriers hinder the assessment and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in clinical practice, the Carevive Care Planning System, a novel Web-based platform, was developed to address these barriers. It provides patients an opportunity to report their symptoms before their clinic visit and generates customizable care plans composed of evidence-based management strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient and provider perspectives of feasibility, usability, acceptability, and satisfaction with the Carevive platform. We used a single-arm, pretest/posttest, prospective design and recruited 25 women with breast cancer who were receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy and six advanced practice providers from an academic hospital. At three consecutive clinical visits, patients reported their neuropathy symptoms on a tablet via the Carevive system. The Diffusion of Innovations Theory served as an overarching evaluation framework. The Carevive platform was feasible to use. However, patients had higher ratings of usability, acceptability, and satisfaction with the platform than did the providers, who disliked the amount of time required to use the platform and had difficulty logging into Carevive. If issues regarding provider dissatisfaction can be addressed, the Carevive platform may aid in the screening of neuropathy symptoms and facilitate the use of evidence-based management strategies.

Patterns and severity of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Vincristine, a critical component of combination chemotherapy treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), can lead to vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). Longitudinal VIPN assessments were obtained over 12 months from newly diagnosed children with ALL (N = 128) aged 1-18 years who received vincristine at one of four academic children's hospitals. VIPN assessments were obtained using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS©-PV), National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE©), Balis© grading scale, and Pediatric Neuropathic Pain Scale©-Five (PNPS©-5). Of children who provided a full TNS©-PV score, 85/109 (78%) developed VIPN (TNS©-PV ≥4). Mean TNS©-PV, grading scale, and pain scores were low. CTCAE©-derived grades 3 and 4 sensory and motor VIPN occurred in 1.6%/0%, and 1.9%/0% of subjects, respectively. VIPN did not resolve in months 8-12 despite decreasing dose density. VIPN was worse in older children. Partition cluster analysis revealed 2-3 patient clusters; one cluster (n = 14) experienced severe VIPN. In this population, VIPN occurs more commonly than previous research suggests, persists throughout the first year of treatment, and can be severe.

Parental Analgesic Knowledge and Decision Making for Children With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

Tonsillectomy is a common and painful procedure often indicated for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are at risk for opioid-related toxicity. Whether parents whose children have OSA understand the risks of opioids is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether parents whose children have OSA have greater opioid risk understanding and would be less likely to give an opioid to a child exhibiting oversedation compared to parents whose children do not have OSA. The study design was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study. The study was conducted in a large academic, tertiary care children's hospital in the Midwest. 224 parents whose children with or without OSA underwent tonsillectomy with/without adenoidectomy were included. Parents were assessed for opioid adverse event understanding and then made decisions to give/withhold opioids for a child exhibiting adverse effects. After discharge, parents recorded all opioid doses they gave their child. There were no differences in opioid understanding between OSA and non-OSA groups, and nearly half in both would give an opioid to the child exhibiting oversedation. Similar amounts of opioids were given at home. OSA did not predict parents' opioid decisions; however, around-the-clock instruction predicted greater opioid use at home. Parents whose children had OSA had a similar understanding of opioid-related oversedation compared to other parents, and half would give a prescribed opioid when signs of oversedation were present, suggesting a need for improved understanding and recognition of this sign of toxicity, and of what to do should this symptom present.

Exploring social determinants of health on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy severity in ovarian cancer: An integrative review.

Ovarian cancer remains a significant public health concern for women despite advancements in cancer management. Despite comprising only 2.5 % of cancers in women, ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with patients frequently receiving late diagnoses. Chemotherapy, a primary treatment, frequently causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), affecting over 60 % of patients and leading to severe sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve impairments. This often necessitates dosage reduction or discontinuation of treatment, thereby increasing mortality. While CIPN's impact on patients is well-documented, there is a paucity of knowledge of how structural and intermediary social determinants of health factors (SDOH), such as socioeconomic and political context, material circumstances such as living and walking conditions, area deprivation, and food availability, affect CIPN severity. The aim of this article was to explore the association between various SDOH and CIPN severity in ovarian cancer, identifying potential research gaps and future research directions. This article seeks to inform targeted interventions to mitigate CIPN's impact by elucidating these associations.

Assessing patient-reported peripheral neuropathy: the reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-CIPN20 Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: This clinimetric analysis was conducted to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to changeover time of the QLQ-CIPN20 when used to quantify patient-reported chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). METHODS: Participants recruited to four cooperative group trials were pooled to create two groups (n = 376, 575): those who did versus did not receive neurotoxic chemotherapy. QLQ-CIPN20 internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Instrument validity was assessed using factor analysis, by evaluating score correlations with other CIPN and pain measures, and by comparing scores between contrasting groups. Cohen's d was used to assess responsiveness to change. RESULTS: Alpha coefficients for the sensory, motor, and autonomic scales were 0.88, 0.88, and 0.78, respectively. However, autonomic scale and hearing loss items exhibited low item-item correlations (r ≤ 0.30) and thus were deleted. Moderate correlations were found between QLQ-CIPN20 and Brief Pain Inventory pain severity items (r 0.30-0.57, p ≤ .0001). Correlation between the QLQ-CIPN20 sensory and toxicity grading scale scores was low (r = .20; p ≤ .01). Mean scores were higher (worse) (p ≤ 0.0001) in individuals who did versus did not receive neurotoxic chemotherapy. The sensory and motor scales exhibited moderate-high responsiveness to change (Cohen's d = 0.82 and 0.48, respectively). Factor analysis indicated that the 16-item version formed distinct factors for lower and upper extremity CIPN, delineating typical distal to proximal CIPN progression. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide support for QLQ-CIPN20 sensory and motor scale reliability and validity. The more parsimonious and clinically relevant 16-item version merits further consideration.

Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Data Collection Systems in Oncology Clinical Trials: A Survey of Clinical Research Professionals (an Alliance Study).

PURPOSE: To describe clinical research professionals (CRPs)' experiences with electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) data collection systems in oncology clinical trials and identify correlates of CRPs' attitude toward technology. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among 210 CRPs from 125 National Cancer Institute-funded research sites. Measures included CRPs' demographic characteristics, working years, employment locations, and previous experiences with various types of ePROs. Their attitude toward technology was measured by the Technology Attitude Scale-Adapted. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare two subdomains of attitude (perceived usefulness [PU] and perceived ease of use [PEU]). Multiple linear regression was used to explore correlates of (1) overall attitude, (2) PU, and (3) PEU. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: Participants' median age was 41 years (range, 21-67). Most were female (90%) and White (82%). More than half of the participants had previous experiences with web-based ePROs using patients' own devices (72%) or site-/sponsor-provided on-site devices (eg, kiosks or tablets; 64%). CRPs who were 60 years or older (ß = -0.32, P < .05) or worked for 10-20 years (ß = -0.11, P < .05) had relatively negative attitudes, controlling for other factors. Previous experiences with more ePRO types were associated with more positive attitudes (ß = 0.08, P = .02). Similar correlates were found with PU but not with PEU. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that CRPs had various experiences with ePRO systems and attitudes toward technology. Age, working years, and previous experiences with ePROs were correlates of overall attitude toward technology and PU. These findings suggest necessary targeted training to facilitate ePRO use in oncology clinical trials by improving CRPs' awareness and attitude toward technology.

Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: Nociplastic Pain and Pain Catastrophizing as Predictors of Pain Interference and Opioid Consumption.

OBJECTIVES: Some patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have features of nociplastic pain. While research suggests that many patients with nociplastic pain consume more opioids due to opioid nonresponsiveness, little is known about the impact of nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing on opioid consumption and pain interference among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with SCD. The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing among AYA with SCD, and (2) determine whether these characterizations are associated with subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference 1 month after characterization. METHODS: Participants completed surveys characterizing nociplastic pain and catastrophizing at a routine clinic visit (baseline). Thereafter, participants received weekly text messages that included pain interference and opioid consumption surveys. Multipredictor 2-part models were used to evaluate the predictive relationships between baseline characterizations and subsequent pain interference, and opioid consumption. RESULTS: Forty-eight AYA aged 14 to 35 completed baseline measures. Twenty-five percent of participants had scores suggestive of nociplastic pain. Greater nociplastic pain features significantly increased the odds of consuming opioids (odds ratio=1.2) and having greater interference from pain (odds ratio=1.46). Regression analyses found that greater baseline nociplastic pain characteristics were significantly associated with opioid consumption (ß=0.13) and pain interference (ß=0.061); whereas higher pain catastrophizing scores predicted less opioid consumption (ß=-0.03) and less pain interference (ß=-0.0007). DISCUSSION: In this sample of AYA with SCD, features of nociplastic pain predicted higher subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference. Being aware of nociplastic pain features in patients with SCD may better guide individualized pain management.

Assessing cancer survivors' needs using web-based technology: a pilot study.

Development of cancer survivor resources has been hampered by lack of knowledge regarding survivors' needs. The main study aim was to pilot test a Web-based cancer survivor needs assessment survey. The second aim was to pilot three sampling approaches. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and nine community-based clinics serving urban and rural populations. Population-based and convenience sampling approaches were used to recruit 547 participants over 4 months. Participants completed a Web-based cancer survivor needs assessment survey. Respondents were mainly white (98%), married (71%) women (80%) with a college education (96%). Although most (66%) (n = 362) had been diagnosed with breast cancer, other cancer diagnoses were represented. Participants reported fatigue (47%), forgetfulness (39%), joint pain (34%), anxiety (31%), trouble sleeping (28%), peripheral neuropathy (27%), inflexibility (23%), and weight gain (23%). Survivors with nonbreast solid tumor malignancies reported more problems than those with breast or hematologic malignancies (P range = .037 to <.0001). Most survivors requested assistance for losing weight (74.2%), decreasing fatigue (50%), and improving flexibility (69.3%), sleep (68.5%), and memory (60.2%). Results supported that cancer survivors struggle with many enduring problems. Web-based technology will facilitate future exploration of unmet needs.

Efficacy of the Motivational Interviewing-Walk Intervention for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Quality of Life During Oxaliplatin Treatment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is prevalent among gastrointestinal cancer survivors and often impairs quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the effect of an 8-week home-based brisk walking (the "MI-Walk") intervention on (1) OIPN severity and (2) QOL at 8 weeks, compared with physical activity (PA) education alone in oxaliplatin-receiving adults with gastrointestinal cancer. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: Participants (N = 57) recruited from 5 infusion sites received PA education at their second oxaliplatin visit, followed by phone assessments of adverse events over 8 weeks. Half (n = 29) received additional MI-Walk intervention motivational supports (eg, a Fitbit Charge 2 and motivational enhancement therapy sessions). Self-reported OIPN, QOL, and PA were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: The intervention compared with the control condition had no effect on sensory OIPN (mean difference [] = -0.01; P > .99), motor OIPN (=2.39; P = .17), and QOL (= -1.43; P > .99). Eight-week sensory (=11.48 ± 0.38) and motor OIPN severities ( = 7.48 ± 0.36) were mild but higher than baseline (P ≤ .01). Self-reported PA level increased over time in both groups (=44.85; P = .01). Averaging ≥225 moderate to vigorous PA minutes per week led to less sensory OIPN, particularly finger/hand tingling (= -26.35; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to detect beneficial effects of the MI-Walk intervention; however, the findings suggest that aerobic walking may blunt but not completely prevent OIPN. Further research is necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although the effectiveness of brisk walking in reducing OIPN is unclear, this study supports prior evidence that moderate to vigorous PA is beneficial and safe during chemotherapy treatment.

Proactive Rehabilitation for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To review assessment and management approaches for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-related physical function deficits. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and key studies' reference lists. CONCLUSION: Brief clinical tests (eg, gait, Timed Up and Go) can screen for neuropathy-related physical function deficits. Exercise and physical therapy may be promising treatments, but the efficacy and optimal dose of such treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy are unclear. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Screening and assessment of neuropathy-associated physical function deficits should occur throughout neurotoxic chemotherapy treatment. If such deficits are identified, referral for rehabilitation (ie, physical or occupational therapy) and/or exercise interventions is warranted.

Childhood Trauma Predicts Cancer Treatment-Related Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma has been linked to neuropathic pain in noncancer populations, but its relationship with cancer treatment-related neuropathic pain is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This secondary data analysis of a prospective, longitudinal, observational study aimed to explore the relationship of childhood trauma experience with pain severity, pain interference, and neuropathic symptom severity (NSS) 12 months after surgery in women receiving treatment for stage 0 to III breast cancer. METHODS: Women (N = 44) recruited from a comprehensive cancer center self-reported childhood trauma experience, pain severity, pain interference, NSS, co-occurring symptoms, and pain beliefs via questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to describe childhood trauma experience. Linear regression was used to model childhood trauma and other predictors on pain variables 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Childhood trauma predicted pain severity and pain interference 12 months after surgery (P < .05), as did baseline pain severities and helplessness-pain catastrophizing. Age predicted only NSS. Together, the best models predicted 31.6% to 40.9% of the variance in pain severities at 12 months (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood trauma exposure was a significant predictor of pain 12 months after breast cancer surgery and adjuvant treatment. Younger and helplessness-pain catastrophizing women are also at risk. Research is needed to identify preventive neuropathic pain interventions for high-risk women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Women receiving breast cancer treatment should proactively be assessed for childhood trauma history, possibly by using discreet previsit questionnaires. Childhood trauma survivors may be at high risk for poor pain outcomes and may benefit from tailored pain interventions.

Genetic variation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth genes contributes to sensitivity to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Aim: This study explored whether inherited variants in genes causing the hereditary neuropathy condition Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are associated with sensitivity to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Patients & methods: Hereditary neuropathy genes previously associated with risk of paclitaxel-induced PN were sequenced in paclitaxel-treated patients. Eight putative genetic predictors in five hereditary neuropathy genes (ARHGEF10, SBF2, FGD4, FZD3 and NXN) were tested for association with PN sensitivity after accounting for systemic exposure and clinical variables. Results:FZD3 rs7833751, a proxy for rs7001034, decreased PN sensitivity (additive model, ß = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.17; p = 0.0011). None of the other genetic predictors were associated with PN sensitivity. Conclusion: Our results support prior evidence that FZD3 rs7001034 is protective of PN and may be useful for individualizing paclitaxel treatment to prevent PN.

Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Survivors of Adult Cancers: ASCO Guideline Update.

PURPOSE: To update the ASCO guideline on the recommended prevention and treatment approaches in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in adult cancer survivors. METHODS: An Expert Panel conducted targeted systematic literature reviews to identify new studies. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 257 new references, which led to a full-text review of 87 manuscripts. A total of 3 systematic reviews, 2 with meta-analyses, and 28 primary trials for prevention of CIPN in addition to 14 primary trials related to treatment of established CIPN, are included in this update. RECOMMENDATIONS: The identified data reconfirmed that no agents are recommended for the prevention of CIPN. The use of acetyl-l-carnitine for the prevention of CIPN in patients with cancer should be discouraged. Furthermore, clinicians should assess the appropriateness of dose delaying, dose reduction, substitutions, or stopping chemotherapy in patients who develop intolerable neuropathy and/or functional impairment. Duloxetine is the only agent that has appropriate evidence to support its use for patients with established painful CIPN. Nonetheless, the amount of benefit from duloxetine is limited.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Using quality improvement methodology to improve neuropathic pain screening and assessment in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement methodology was used to improve neuropathic pain (NP) screening at a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: Nurses participated in educational sessions about screening and assessment. Clinical systems to facilitate documentation of NP severity scores were developed. RESULTS: Pretest and posttest score results demonstrated nurse acquisition of new knowledge. A 90% NP screening adherence rate was achieved (N = 3831). Patients with no reported general pain (n = 291) were found to have moderate to severe NP. CONCLUSIONS: Keys to success are (1) health care professional education and periodic reinforcement of learning and (2) system infrastructure changes.