Pain in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy – Sensitisation in the peripheral and central nociceptive system

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the somatosensory characteristics and pain types in patients with acute oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and to relate this profile to the hereby detected underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients and methods Sixteen patients treated with oxaliplatin for cancer were characterised with neurological assessment and a standardised and validated set for quantitative sensory testing (QST). Patients were allocated to two groups depending on the presence or absence of pain symptoms of acute neuropathy. Results Comparison with normative data revealed in patients with pain symptoms a characteristic somatosensory profile of cold and mechanical hyperalgesia. Group-to-group analysis revealed additional heat hyperalgesia and warm hypoesthesia. Conclusion Pain symptoms of acute oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy are related to signs of sensitisation within the peripheral (cold and heat hyperalgesia) and central nervous nociceptive system (mechanical hyperalgesia). This strengthens the rationale for treatment with anticonvulsants and antidepressants and fosters research on ion channel and receptor related mechanisms.