UPSC Notes

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

PYQs

2

Articles

1

Momentum

9

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Addresses public health challenges, the burden of disease, the need for improved cancer therapies with fewer side effects, and the role of medical research in enhancing patient quality of life.

Chemotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment, often presents significant side effects, among which chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating condition affecting the nervous system. Cold allodynia, a specific manifestation of CIPN, involves experiencing pain from normally non-painful cold stimuli, severely impacting patients' quality of life.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Definition

A neurological disorder causing pain, numbness, tingling, or temperature sensitivity, often as a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.

Cold Allodynia

A specific symptom of CIPN where patients experience pain or distress from mild cold temperatures.

Common Cause

Frequently induced by platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like oxaliplatin, used in various cancer treatments.

Impact

Can lead to chronic pain and significantly reduce the quality of life for cancer survivors, even after treatment cessation.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPublic Health
Conceptual areaMedical Science
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • CIPN: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, a common side effect.
  • Cold Allodynia: Specific CIPN symptom, pain from cold.
  • Caused by: Platinum-based chemo drugs (e.g., oxaliplatin).
  • Impact: Chronic pain, reduced quality of life for cancer survivors.
  • Research focus: Understanding mechanisms for targeted therapies.

Topic timeline

Public HealthMedical Science

Related topics

Current topic

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 2 linked questions on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality