Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Benchmarking Peripheral Neuropathy and Hypersensitivity Reactions in Paclitaxel-Treated Cancer Patients. (140900)

Jane J Stidworthy 1
  1. Macquarie University Hospital, North Ryde, NSW, Australia

Objective / Purpose
Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) often lead to dose reductions, compromising treatment efficacy and quality of life. This study aimed to review the incidence and management of PIPN and HSRs in a local hospital setting and to compare the findings with published evidence1,2,3,4,5.

Sample and Setting
This is a retrospective observational study of patients who received paclitaxel between 2020 - 2024 at a single metropolitan private hospital in Sydney.

Procedure
Data from individual patient records, eMRs OdysseyTM and TrakCare®, was extracted and analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results
A total of 176 patients received paclitaxel. The median age was 54.5 years, and majority were female (87.50%). Breast cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis (81.25%), followed by oesophageal (5.68%) and lung cancer (5.68%). Most patients (97.48%) were in the non-metastatic stage. On average, patients received 8.18 doses and PIPN was experienced by 67.61% of patients, with a mean onset of 30.40 days. HSRs were reported in 17.05% of patients, on average after 1.32 doses of paclitaxel. HSRs were managed by interrupting the infusion temporarily, conducting a clinical review and if needed corticosteroid and/or H2 antagonist administered. Infusions were rechallenged at reduced infusion rate. Of temporarily interrupted infusions, 88.99% were re-challenged successfully. PIPN management involved dose reduction and treatment cessation. The approaches were consistent with published clinical guidelines. Dose reductions occurred in 58.52% of patients, with 42.72% attributed to PIPN and 1.94% to HSRs. Treatment cessation occurred in 49.43% of patients, with 40.23% due to PIPN and 1.15% due to HSRs.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications
PIPN and HSRs significantly contribute to dose reductions and early discontinuation. The incidence and management strategies observed in this study align with published literature. Highlighting the importance of proactive adverse events management for improved treatment adherence and patient outcomes.