Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence on the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients, particularly in the Maule Region of Chile. Aim: To characterize symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among patients undergoing chemotherapy for various types of cancer at a Public Hospital in the Maule Region of Chile. The secondary objective was to assess sex-related differences in peripheral neuropathy symptoms and to examine the association between age and neurotoxicity symptoms. Methods: Adult patients undergoing chemotherapy were remotely assessed, and their sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. CIPN was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity questionnaire (FACT-GOG-NTX) questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were performed, along with the Mann–Whitney test for gender differences and Spearman’s Rho for correlations with age were used. Results: Of the 122 patients (mean age 58), 74.6% were women, 32.8% had breast cancer, and 22.1% were at stage III. Pain was reported by 32% of patients. Former smokers made up 39%, and 47.5% were occasional alcohol drinkers. Women had lower social/family well-being (SWB) and functional well-being (FWB) than men (p < 0.05), with no other significant differences. In women, higher age correlated with lower SWB and emotional well-being (EWB) (Rho = ?0.31 and ?0.30, respectively) and greater neurotoxicity symptoms (Rho = 0.22). Conclusion: CIPN affects adult women, particularly those employed, with outcomes linked to pain and stage III cancer, often involving tobacco and alcohol use. Women report lower well-being scores than men. Hematologic and multiple myeloma patients had the lowest FACT-GOG-NTX scores. Symptoms primarily impact sensory and motor function, emphasizing the need for early neurotoxicity assessment and treatment. © The Author(s) 2025