Two Scoring Tools to Estimate the Risk of Taxane-induced Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy (PNP) in Patients Irradiated for Non-metastatic Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with non-metastatic breast cancer assigned to radiotherapy already received taxane-based chemotherapy, often associated with peripheral neuropathy (PNP). Since treatment options are limited, identification of high-risk patients is important. Therefore, we developed two risk scores. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Previously, we identified risk factors for moderate to severe PNP. Now, risk scores were developed including four (Score A=performance score, cardiovascular disease, smoking history, beta blocker medication) or five (Score B=plus autoimmune disease) factors, respectively. For each existing factor, patients received 1 point; three risk groups were formed. RESULTS: PNP rates using Score A were 11.1% (0 points), 37.5% (1-2 points), and 100% (3 points). Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were 100% and 88.9%. PNP rates using Score B were 7.4% (0 points), 33.8% (1-2 points), and 90.9% (3-4 points). PPV and NPV were 90.9% and 92.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both risk scores provided high accuracy with respect to identification of patients with low or high risk of moderate to severe PNP.