Researchers found that, in preclinical models of colorectal cancer, tumors can start damaging peripheral nerves before chemotherapy begins. These findings suggest tumor-related inflammation and changes to fat metabolism could damage the protective coating around nerves, disrupting signals and potentially making them more vulnerable to treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage. The study, led by Andrew Shepherd, Ph.D., associate professor of Translational Neuroscience, challenges the conventional thought that peripheral neuropathy in patients with colorectal cancer is due mostly to chemotherapy treatment.
“These findings advance our understanding of how colorectal cancer can cause damage to the peripheral nervous system,” Shepherd said. “This nerve damage, which affects the protective insulation around nerves, is largely latent and could have major implications for quality of life in survivors, even when there are no obvious pain symptoms.”