Chemotherapy drugs can have a variety of side-effects, including damage to the nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy is damage that is felt in the hands/fingers and feet/toes. The symptoms can include pain, buring, numbness and tingling. Not all chemotherapy agents are associated with peripheral neuropathy. The likelihood of symptoms developing and their severity is dependent on the the type of chemotherapy, the number of exposures (cycles/doses), the amount used, the health of the patient, the patient's genetic makeup and other factors.(1) Some patients have symptoms that are severe enough to cause them to discontinue the treatment. The nerve damage and symptoms can last for many years. Patients suffering from neuropathy are more likely to have balance problems and to fall down.(2)
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