The global prevalence of peripheral neuropathy following chemotherapy in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (Level 1 by design analogy)
PubMed 41652500 · doi:10.1186/s13023-026-04256-y
What was done
A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar through July 2023 for studies reporting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) prevalence. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, with subgroup analyses based on CIPN assessment scales and heterogeneity evaluated using the I2 index.
What was found
Analysis of 49 eligible studies including 33,667 participants showed an overall CIPN prevalence of 51.9% (95% CI: 45 to 58.7). Prevalence varied by assessment method, reaching 69.6% (95% CI: 50 to 84) when evaluated with composite scales.
Why it matters
These findings quantify a high global burden of neuropathy in cancer patients, supporting the need for standardized screening and management strategies in oncology care.
Limits
The abstract does not report numerical I2 heterogeneity statistics, cancer types, chemotherapy regimens, or timing of assessment relative to treatment. Substantial variation in reported rates occurred across different assessment tools.
Cited by
- supports Up to one-third of chemotherapy patients develop damage to their peripheral nerves.