A study determining the effects of chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy on balance in patient with breast cancer
Vipasha Janardan Kulkarni, Deepali N. HandeBACKGROUND:
Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect in breast cancer patients, caused by neurotoxic agents that damage peripheral nerves. It manifests as sensory and motor deficits that impair balance, gait, and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
The aims and objectives of this study were to determine the association of CIPN on balance and functional mobility in breast cancer patients using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
METHODOLOGY:
A quantitative, prevalence-based study was conducted among 50 female breast cancer patients aged above 50 years from the oncology department. Participants who had completed 12 cycles of chemotherapy and presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of CIPN were included in the study. A simple random sampling was used. Participants with recent orthopedic surgery, spinal fractures, or uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension were excluded from the study. Ethical approval was obtained and informed consent was taken from participants before data collection. CIPN was identified based on presentation of sensory and motor symptoms; no standardized diagnostic grading scale was used. The TUG test, a reliable and widely used clinical tool, was administered to assess balance and functional mobility.
RESULTS:
As this was a descriptive study no inferential statistical analysis were performed. Among 50 participants, 13 (26%) demonstrated normal TUG scores (≤10 s), indicating preserved mobility and balance, whereas 37 (74%) showed abnormal scores (>10 s), reflecting reduced mobility and increased fall risk. The prevalence of abnormal TUG performance was 74%, indicating that most breast cancer patients with CIPN experience significant balance impairment.
CONCLUSION:
CIPN is associated with impaired mobility and balance in breast cancer, as indicated by the high prevalence of abnormal TUG scores. Early physiotherapy interventions emphasizing balance training, muscle strengthening, and gait rehabilitation are recommended to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life.