Qualitative Results of the LEON study: Late Effects of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy — ASN Events
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Qualitative Results of the LEON study: Late Effects of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (#191)

Sunita Padman 1 , Jaein Lee 2 , Rajiv Kumar 1 , Mark Slee 1 2 , Alison Richards 1 , Bogda Koczwara 1 2 , Ganessan Kichenadasse 1 2 , Shawgi Sukumaran 1 2 , Amitesh Roy 1 2 , Christos Karapetis 1 2
  1. Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
  2. Flinders University, South Australia

Aims:
Oxaliplatin frequently causes chronic peripheral neuropathy (CPN) which may impact on function and quality of life (QOL)[1,2]. Despite common usage, late effects and patient satisfaction outcomes have not been widely reported. We sought to establish the biopsychosocial impact of CPN.

Methods:
Cross sectional observational study of patients who received oxaliplatin at least 2 years prior to study commencement. As part of the LEON study, quantitative analysis was performed and reported separately. Additionally, patients were interviewed about the psychosocial impact of neuropathy, and the degree of satisfaction with treatment; specifically acceptance/regret of the decision to receive oxaliplatin. These interviews were transcribed and NVivo[3] used for qualitative analysis via framework approach[4].

Results:
Of 25 participating patients, 20 consented to interview. Many described a significant burden of neuropathic symptoms, though the majority did not feel neuropathy affected daily function. A significant proportion did not recall being warned of the risk of CPN; of those who did recall warnings, many felt the issue was inadequately emphasised. A minority were unable to continue working, though most patients could continue their hobbies. Patients had tried varied strategies to manage symptoms, and were most likely to seek help from GPs. Some patients had looked for support groups, though none had attended. Majority felt CPN had not adversely affected their QOL. Despite some describing significant neuropathic symptoms, patients expressed satisfaction with their decision to receive oxaliplatin, as many felt they may have succumbed to cancer had they not been treated with it.

Conclusions:
The biopsychosocial impact of CPN is significant, and varies considerably. Patients felt they were inadequately warned of its risk. Despite a significant burden of symptoms, the majority of patients were highly satisfied with their decision to receive oxaliplatin.

  1. Pasetto, L.M., et al., Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 2006. 59(2): p. 159-68.
  2. Park, S.B., et al., The Oncologist, 2011. 16(5): p. 708-716.
  3. NVivo. Version 10; QSR International, Doncaster, VIC, Australia.
  4. Smith, J., et al., Nurse Res, 2011;18(2):52-62.