Assessment of acute oxaliplatin‐induced cold allodynia: a pilot study

Background Following oxaliplatin treatment, acute neurotoxicity symptoms are suggested to be correlated with both the development and degree of chronic neuropathy. Aims The aim of this clinical commentary was to examine different methods to assess acute cold allodynia and dysesthesia in patients treated with adjuvant oxaliplatin. Methods Nine patients over the age of 18 years scheduled for standard adjuvant treatment with capecitabine and oxaliplatin were included. Patients were asked to come for two visits: a baseline visit before and a follow-up visit within 5 days after treatment. Patients were examined with questionnaires, thermal tests, and the thermal grill. Results All patients reported neurotoxicity, and they all had abnormal cold sensitivity. The only significant changes observed were increased ratings of pain, unpleasantness, and pricking sensations to holding a ~8°C metal cylinder for 10 s and an increased intensity of unpleasantness and pricking sensation to the 20-s contact with the 10°C plates of the thermal grill on the palmar hand. Conclusions he results showed that the palm of the hand is the most sensitive part of the body when detecting oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia, and the use of a cold metal cylinder seems as a promising sensitive method.