CI‐PERINOMS: chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy outcome measures study

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)\udis a major and potentially dose-limiting adverse event\udof several chemotherapeutic agents (Windebank and\udGrisold, 2008). CIPN is characterized by distal symmetrical\udnumbness, tingling, paresthesias, dysesthesias,\udpain and/or weakness, which significantly affect functionality\udand quality of life (Aaronson, 1998). The\udincidence of CIPN may be as high as 100% in treated\udpatients, depending on dose and dose-intensity of\udthe chemotherapeutic regimen. The neurotoxic side\udeffects may be permanent, and treatment is usually\uddifficult. Neuroprotective agents that would either\udprevent or ameliorate CIPN are currently under investigation\ud(Cavaletti and Marmiroli, 2006; Albers et al.,\ud2007). However, before studying these agents in clinical\udtrials, it is crucial to be able to assess CIPN in a\udsimple, valid, and reproducible way in accordance with\udpostulated international guidelines (Hobart et al., 1996;\udMerkies and Lauria, 2006). Although several scales\udhave been used by oncologists and neurologists,\udgrading CIPN is still an unsolved issue (Postma and\udHeimans, 2000; Cavaletti et al., 2007).Moreover,most\udof the scales have not undergone rigorous clinimetric\udevaluation and analysis, which are nowadays essential\udrequirements for any proposed clinical trial (van\udNes et al., 2008). The CI-PERINOMS: Chemotherapy\udInduced-Peripheral Neuropathy Outcome Measures\udStudy protocol was developed by experienced neurologists\udto identify the best method(s) to assess\udand monitor CIPN (Cavaletti, 2008)