Two Scoring Tools to Estimate the Risk of Taxane-induced Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy (PNP) in Patients Irradiated for Non-metastatic Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with non-metastatic breast cancer assigned to radiotherapy already received taxane-based chemotherapy, often associated with peripheral neuropathy (PNP). Since treatment options are limited, identification of high-risk patients is important. Therefore, we developed two risk scores.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Previously, we identified risk factors for moderate to severe PNP. Now, risk scores were developed including four (Score A=performance score, cardiovascular disease, smoking history, beta blocker medication) or five (Score B=plus autoimmune disease) factors, respectively. For each existing factor, patients received 1 point; three risk groups were formed.

RESULTS

PNP rates using Score A were 11.1% (0 points), 37.5% (1-2 points), and 100% (3 points). Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were 100% and 88.9%. PNP rates using Score B were 7.4% (0 points), 33.8% (1-2 points), and 90.9% (3-4 points). PPV and NPV were 90.9% and 92.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both risk scores provided high accuracy with respect to identification of patients with low or high risk of moderate to severe PNP.