Physicians’ Practices in the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy at Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Le résumé fourni par la source

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a clinically important and potentially dose-limiting toxicity associated particularly with neurotoxic anticancer agents. This study assessed physicians' reported practices regarding CIPN assessment, management, and prevention at Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2025 among physicians involved in anticancer treatment at Khartoum Oncology Hospital. A total-coverage sampling approach was used, whereby all eligible physicians available during the study period were invited to participate. Data were collected using an expert-reviewed and pilot-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used according to the study objective to analyze the physicians’ responses. A total of 42 physicians participated (response rate: 79.3%); 27 (64.3%) were female, and all were clinical oncologists. Clinical examination was the most frequently reported CIPN assessment approach, used by 32 physicians (76.2%), while 33 (78.6%) reported establishing a baseline assessment before neurotoxic chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, all 42 physicians reported assessing CIPN, and 36 (85.7%) reported assessment before each chemotherapy cycle. When functional nerve impairment developed, 38 (90.5%) reported therapeutic intervention, and 26 (61.9%) considered physical therapy for patients with physical dysfunction. Gabapentin and vitamin B12 were each reported by 38 physicians (90.5%), whereas duloxetine was reported by 4 (9.5%). Only 8 physicians (19.0%) reported using non-pharmacological approaches for prevention and 6 (14.3%) reported pharmacological preventive approaches. In conclusion, physicians reported several appropriate CIPN-related practices, including baseline assessment, monitoring during chemotherapy, and treatment modification when functional impairment developed. However, important evidence-practice gaps were identified in standardized assessment, pharmacological management, prevention, and safety-oriented supportive care. Development of a locally adapted CIPN assessment and management pathway, together with structured professional training, may improve consistency of care.

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