Grant: Project Grant

Although cancer can occur at any age, most newly diagnosed people are aged 60 and older. As treatments are getting better, many people are living longer after their first cancer treatment. However, some people may be left with the lasting effects of cancer treatments. One effect is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). With CIPN, people may experience pain, numbness, sensitivity, tingling, burning, or weakness in their hands, arms, feet, and legs. These symptoms may last long after the end of treatment and may cause balance problems, falls, and other serious injuries, and impact on quality of life. Older people may be especially at risk for CIPN and its negative impacts. Unfortunately, very little is known about CIPN, including the number of people who experience symptoms during and after treatment. In this research study, we will evaluate the experiences of CIPN in younger and older people undergoing certain common chemotherapy treatments for breast, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancers, during treatment, and up to 1 year after treatment. This study will help us describe when CIPN occurs, how long it lasts, and the factors that influence CIPN and that may be changed. We will also study the impacts of CIPN on important daily activities. This research study will contribute to better symptom monitoring and care during and after cancer treatment and to the development of treatments for CIPN that are able to best help people depending on their unique needs.