Assessment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Relationship to Breast Cancer Patients' Quality of Life.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and detrimental drug toxicity during treatment of breast cancer, but its overall effects on the quality of life (QoL) are poorly defined in practice. This research was expected to measure the occurrence and severity of CIPN and to identify its relationship with QoL among breast cancer patients who were subjected to neurotoxic chemotherapy regimens. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical investigation in 186 female breast cancer patients who had completed two cycles of taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy was carried out in a tertiary oncology facility from January 2023 to December 2024. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and QoL were measured. Results: Overall CIPN prevalence (NCI-CTCAE Grade ≥ 1) was 67.7% (n = 126); Grades 1, 2 and 3 neuropathy were observed in 33.3%, 22.6% and 11.8% of the cohort, respectively. Clinically meaningful CIPN (Grade ≥ 2) was present in 34.4% (n = 64) of study participants. Sensory (61.8%), motor (38.7%) and autonomic (24.2%) manifestations were recorded. Global QoL scores were significantly lower in patients with CIPN than those without CIPN (51.3 ± 14.7 vs 72.6 ± 11.2, p < 0.001). Severity of CIPN showed significant negative correlations with global QoL (r = -0.64, p < 0.001), physical functioning (r = -0.58, p < 0.001) and role functioning (r = -0.52, p < 0.001). Higher cumulative dose, taxane-platinum combination therapy, older age and comorbid diabetes were associated with greater CIPN severity in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The systematic screening and early intervention measures are justified to reduce the neuropathic burden and maximize patient-centered outcomes.