Association of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, physical activity and health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in breast cancer patients who received taxane-based chemotherapy. We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study on 43 breast cancer patients who underwent taxane-based chemotherapy. Information on demographics, CIPN (Ntx subscale), HRQOL (FACT-G), physical activity (IPAQ-SF), and psychological distress (K6) was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Data of clinical characteristics were extracted from the patients' medical records. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between CIPN and HRQOL (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), physical well-being (r = 0.72, p < 0.001), emotional well-being (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), and functional well-being (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) but not physical activity. There was no significant correlation between physical activity and HRQOL. Among the 19 patients with severe symptoms of CIPN, an analysis of physical activity showed that 7 (36.8%) were inactive and 12 (63.2%) were active. Hence, CIPN significantly affects the HRQOL of breast cancer patients. Additionally, some patients perform physical activity according to their individual roles and environment by managing and enduring the symptoms of CIPN. Nurses should recognize the impact of CIPN on patients’ everyday lives, adequately assess the CIPN symptoms, evaluate the influence of CIPN on patients’ physical activity levels, and counsel patients accordingly. Additionally it is necessary to consider patients individually how to perform physical activity safely, especially when experiencing CIPN.