Abstract
Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the peripheral neuropathy of patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy and to assess nursing support. Subjects and Methods : The subjects were 84 patients attending the outpatient chemotherapy center of hospital A. We surveyed the peripheral neuropathy items in a self-recorded notebook for a maximum of 43 days from the day of treatment until the day before the 3rd course of treatment. Results : FOLFOX (fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) : Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy developed in a high proportion of the patients, 81%. The peak occurred 4 days after treatment, and the symptoms tended to persist till the next treatment. TXL (paclitaxel) : Symptoms developed in 59.1%, and the peak occurred about 4 days after treatment. Their Grade was low, and they tended to persist. FEC (fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, epirubicin hydrochloride) : Symptoms developed in 44%. Their Grade was low, but some of them became so severe that they caused Grade 3 impairment of everyday living. TXT (docetaxel) : Symptoms developed in 43.8%, and many of them were Grade 1. Conclusion : The results suggested that it is necessary to emphasize pain relief during the peak of the peripheral neuropathy, and to propose specific management tailored to the patient's life.
