The Burden of Cancer-related Neuropathic Pain: A Multi-centric Cross-sectional Observational Study from North India

Introduction: Neuropathic cancer pain is a common consequence of cancer itself and anti-cancer treatments. It is a complex phenomenon, often underdiagnosed by physicians or underreported by patients. Its diagnosis and management are usually more challenging than nociceptive pain. There is a dearth of epidemiological evidence for neuropathic pain in cancer patients in India. Screening questionnaires serve as a quick guide to identify potential cases of neuropathic pain. The aim of the present study was to identify the burden of cancer-related neuropathic pain using the Self-reported version of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) pain scale.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, observational, multi-centric study conducted at three hospitals in North India. From January 2017 to October 2017, patients attending pain clinic were screened for participation in the study. Adults aged ≥18 years and experiencing the pain of oncologic origin were eligible to participate in the study if they provided informed consent. S-LANSS questionnaire was used to screen patients with neuropathic pain.

Results: From a total of 261 patients, who were enrolled in the study, 56.7% were male and their mean age was 50.87 (18-80) years. Fifty-four percent patients had pain with predominantly neuropathic component (S-LANSS score ≥10).

Conclusion: High burden of neuropathic cancer pain has been observed in outpatient palliative care settings. Early diagnosis of neuropathic pain through screening questionnaires can serve as a quick guide for physicians in resource-constrained settings. This will allow identification of the neuropathic component of pain in patients suffering with mixed pain.