Survivors of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Comparative Study on Patients With Vincristine-Induced Neuropathy and Their Quality of Life.

Abstract

Background: Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN), a common side effect of chemotherapy in survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), experience symptoms that may significantly impact quality of life (QoL). The age-related effects on NHL survivors with/without VIPN remain unclear.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the variation in and severity of symptom manifestations in patients in two age groups as well as the effect of age on functional status and QoL.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 NHL survivors in two age groups: the younger group (< 65 years, n = 55) and the older group (≥ 65 years, n = 43). The two assessment tools used were the clinical total neuropathy score and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-Core 30. Data analyses were conducted on SPSS (Version 22.0), with the chi-square test used on descriptive statistics and the Fisher's exact test used on categorical variables. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare differences attributable to age, VIPN status, functional status, and QoL.

Results: In the older group, VIPN had a higher severity score compared to the younger group (p = .022), particularly in terms of muscle strength (30.2% vs. 9.1%, p = .009) and deep tendon reflex (60.5% vs. 25.5%, p = .005). In the younger group, NHL patients with VIPN showed poorer physical function, while those in the older group reported poorer QoL. Furthermore, those with VIPN showed poorer cognitive function compared to those without VIPN.

Conclusions/implication for practice: In terms of older survivors with VIPN, essential measures include early fall prevention education and low-intensity exercise programs to maintain muscle strength and limb coordination and preserve overall QoL. Younger survivors with VIPN require comprehensive support for both physical and emotional challenges, with early understanding and intervention critical. Also, cognitive function impairment should not be neglected in NHL survivors with VIPN symptoms, highlighting the significance of assessing and addressing cognitive health in long-term follow-up plans.