Persistence of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Despite Vincristine Reduction in Childhood B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Rodwin RL, Kairalla JA, Hibbitts E, Devidas M, Whitley MK, Mohrmann CE, Schore RJ, Raetz E, Winick NJ, Hunger SP, Loh ML, Hockenberry MJ, Angiolillo AL, Ness KK, Kadan-Lottick NS. Persistence of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Despite Vincristine Reduction in Childhood B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022 Aug 8;114(8):1167-1175. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djac095. PubMed PMID: 35552709; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9360458.

Children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are at risk for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Children’s Oncology Group AALL0932 randomized reduction in vincristine and dexamethasone (every 4 weeks vs 12 weeks during maintenance in the average-risk subset of National Cancer Institute standard-B-ALL (SR AR B-ALL). We longitudinally measured CIPN, overall and by treatment group. AALL0932 standard-B-ALL patients aged 3 years and older were evaluated at T1-T4 (end consolidation, maintenance month 1, maintenance month 18, 12 months posttherapy). Physical and occupational therapists (PT/OT) measured motor CIPN (hand and ankle strength, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion range of motion), sensory CIPN (finger and toe vibration and touch), function (dexterity [Purdue Pegboard], and walking efficiency [Six-Minute Walk]). Proxy-reported function (Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument) and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) were assessed. Age- and sex-matched z scores and proportion impaired were measured longitudinally and compared between groups.