Comparison of Neurotoxic Potential of Abraxane versus Oxaliplatin and Paclitaxel

Interventions: Patients receiving abraxane chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer or ovarian cancer will be recruited into the study to document the natural history of Abraxane-induced neurotoxicity through cross-sectional and prospective clinical and neurophysiological assessment. Examples of neurotoxicity seen with abraxane therapy include sensory dysasthesia including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Patients will be assessed monthly from the commencement of treatment until cessation, with 3-monthly follow up 6-12 months following cessation of treatment, to a maximum period of 2 years following enrolment.
Primary outcome(s): To document the natural history of Abraxane-induced neurotoxicity through cross-sectional and prospective clinical and neurophysiological assessment.
The severity of neuropathy will be assessed using the Total Neuropathy Score (TNS). This will be used to evaluate neuropathy in a number of different categories; sensory neuropathic symptoms, examination findings and nerve conduction results.[Assessed at monthly intervals from the commencement of treatment until cessation, with 3-monthly follow up 6-12 months following cessation of treatment.]
Study Design: Purpose: Natural history;Duration: Longitudinal;Selection: Defined population;Timing: Prospective