Cancer and Peripheral Nerve Disease

Patients with cancer may experience neuropathy at any stage of malignancy, ranging from symptoms that are the earliest signs of cancer to side effects of treatment. Peripheral nerves are affected most commonly in a symmetric, stocking-glove pattern. Sensory neuronopathies, plexopathies, and radiculopathies may also be seen. The most common type of neuropathy in patients with cancer is related to chemotherapy, and recently peripheral nerve complications have been described as an effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors too. Other causes include paraneoplastic syndromes, direct tumor infiltration, and radiation. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cancer and management of neuropathic pain.