The influence of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity on psychological distress and sleep disturbance in cancer patients

Purpose In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) on psychological distress and sleep quality in cancer patients. Methods A total of 706 cancer patients were interviewed for the study. In the 4th week of treatment, patient CIPN was measured using the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ). The sleep quality and psychological distress of patients were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Distress Thermometer (DT), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the independent effects of CIPN on psychological distress and sleep disturbance in the patients. Results These correlation coefficients were obtained: 0.387 (p < 0.0001) between the PNQ total score and the DT score, 0.386 (p < 0.0001) between the PNQ total score and the HADS Depression score, 0.379 (p < 0.0001) between the PNQ total score and the HADS Anxiety score, and 0.399 (p < 0.0001) between the PNQ total score and the PSQI global score. The prevalence rates of distress, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality in the five PNQ grades were statistically significantly different (p < 0.0001). After controlling for age, sex, education level, social supports, fatigue, disease stage, and tumour site, the PNQ grades were found to be associated with depression (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), and poor sleep quality (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity negatively affects psychological distress and sleep quality in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. High PNQ grades were significantly associated with poor psychological status and sleep quality. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing peripheral neuropathies during chemotherapy and of adjusting treatment plans based on assessment results.