Cancer treatment-related neuropathic pain syndromes--epidemiology and treatment: an update

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2014 Nov;18(11):459. doi: 10.1007/s11916-014-0459-7.

Abstract

Cancer treatment-related chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is a pervasive and distressing problem that negatively influences function and quality of life for countless cancer survivors. It occurs because of cancer treatment-induced damage to peripheral and central nervous system structures. NP becomes chronic when pain signal transmission persists, eventually sensitizing neurons in the dorsal horn and other pain-processing regions in the central nervous system. Frequently overlooked, NP due to cancer treatment has been understudied. Consequently, only a few pharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective based on the results of randomized controlled trials. Future research designed to explore pathophysiologic mechanisms and effective mechanism-targeted interventions is sorely needed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Neuralgia / epidemiology
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain Threshold
  • Peripheral Nervous System / drug effects
  • Peripheral Nervous System / radiation effects
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiation Injuries / complications*
  • Radiation Injuries / epidemiology
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Survivors / psychology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents