Chemo-Induced Nerve Damage May Last for Years in Lymphoma Survivorship

Lymphoma survivors may continue to struggle with numbness, tingling and pain for years after finishing frontline chemotherapy, according to new research that suggests doctors often underestimate the severity of these long-term side effects.

Findings presented at the 51st Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress reveal that chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or CIPN, remains a persistent challenge long after a patient’s final treatment. The study found a notable gap between how clinicians and patients view the condition, with medical staff consistently reporting milder symptoms than what the survivors themselves experienced. For those living beyond lymphoma, the data highlight the importance of speaking up about lingering nerve issues to ensure they receive proper support and symptom management during the recovery process.

Regarding six post-treatment visits for 11 eligible patients, data revealed a response rate of 55% to chemotherapy. Additionally, 50% of patients reported persistent numbness and tingling in their feet or toes at the time. The mean age among this group was 68.6 years, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN (CIPN20) scores ranged from 25 to 36, which were consistent with mild to moderate CIPN. Coasting, which investigators described as worsening CIPN following the completion of treatment, was highlighted in two patients based on increasing CIPN20 scores.

According to the study authors, persistent CIPN was shown to reduce quality of life (QOL), decrease the frequency of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs, and heighten the risk of falls. Furthermore, clinician-rated toxicities appeared to consistently underreport the severity of events compared with patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

“Our study provides evidence of persistent moderate CIPN, as measured with validated PROs. Results are consistent with previous reports of older age as a risk factor for CIPN,” lead study author Gretchen A. McNally, a nurse practitioner-scientist at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital of The Ohio State University, wrote with coauthors in the poster. “[Our study] suggests that CIPN can persist well into survivorship among [patients with] lymphoma, adversely affecting long-term QOL. [It] demonstrates potential coasting phenomenon warranting further examination in future longitudinal studies.”

Regarding the study’s background, the authors noted that CIPN was known to negatively affect disease outcomes and long-term QOL. Additionally, clinical manifestations range from mild paresthesia, or feelings of tingling or numbness, to severe deficits that require dose reductions, which may limit therapeutic strategies. The authors wrote that CIPN is a well-known toxicity associated with Oncovin (vincristine), a component of frontline regimens for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma such as CHOP and EPOCH.

Noting limited data related to persistent CIPN among survivors of lymphoma, the study authors aimed to assess long-term CIPN based on PROs among those who received CHOP or EPOCH for their disease. The investigators secured institutional review board approval to assess visits and evaluate long-term CIPN outcomes. Relevant PROs were determined via CIPN20 criteria, which included a review of clinical records.

References

1. “Patient-reported outcomes reveal lasting impact of chemotherapy: insights after frontline CHOP or EPOCH in lymphoma survivors,” Gretchen A. McNally et al., presented at the 51st Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress; May 13-17, 2026; San Antonio, TX.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.