Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting toxicity of cancer treatment causing functional impairment and impacting quality of life. Effective prevention and treatment of CIPN are lacking, and CIPN risk factors remain ill-defined. Metabolic syndrome and associated conditions have emerged as potential risk factors, due to their high prevalence and independent association with nerve dysfunction. This systematic review aimed to investigate the association between these common metabolic-lifestyle factors and CIPN.

Methods

Searches were undertaken using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, with additional studies identified from bibliographic references cited by original and review articles. Articles that analyzed metabolic-lifestyle risk factors associated with CIPN for patients treated with platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy were included.

Results

Searches identified 6897 titles; 44 articles had full text review, with 26 studies included. Overall incidence of neuropathy ranged from 16.9 to 89.4%. Obesity had the most consistent patient-oriented evidence as a risk factor for CIPN, with moderate evidence suggesting diabetes did not increase CIPN incidence or severity. A limited number of studies supported an association with low physical activity and greater CIPN risk.

Conclusions

Comorbidities and lifestyle factors, particularly obesity and low physical activity, may contribute to the development of CIPN. The implementation of sensitive outcome measures in large-scale clinical trials is required to further elucidate CIPN risk factors and evaluate if changes in lifestyle would improve long-term CIPN outcomes for cancer survivors.