Analysis of factors influencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients using a random forest model

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients, identify modifiable factors, and provide a theoretical basis for targeted interventions.

Methods

A total of 542 patients with breast cancer who were hospitalized for chemotherapy in multiple hospitals from September 2022 to September 2023 were selected as the study objects. Data were collected using questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, disease-related information, lifestyle, and psychological status. Lasso-logistic regression was employed to identify influencing factors, and a random forest model was used to rank the importance of variables.

Results

Lasso-logistic regression analysis identified age, BMI, cumulative chemotherapy dose, hypertension, physical activity level, and depression as significant factors associated with CIPN (P < 0.05). The variable importance ranking from the random forest model was as follows: age, BMI, cumulative chemotherapy dose, physical activity, hypertension, and depression.

Conclusion

Early identification of high-risk CIPN patients is crucial for guiding clinical nursing practices. These findings provide a foundation for the management and intervention of CIPN in breast cancer patients.