Table 4.
Neurotoxicity evaluation
| Grade | I | II | III | IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCI-CTC AE v3.0 | loss of deep tendon reflexes or paresthesia, including tingling, but not interfering with function | objective sensory alteration or paresthesia, including tingling, interfering with function, but not with activities of daily living | sensory alteration or paresthesia interfering with activities of daily living | permanent sensory losses that are disabling |
| Questions | Sample answers for each toxicity grade | |||
| Do you have problems tying your shoe laces, buttoning your shirts, fastening buckles or pulling up zippers? | “No, I might feel some tingling in my hands, but I have no problems tying laces, buttoning shirts, fastening buckles or pulling up zippers” | “It is a bit harder than before, but I can still tie laces, button shirts, fasten buckles or pull up zippers” | “I have severe difficulties tying shoe laces, buttoning shirts, fastening buckles or pulling up zippers” or “I cannot tie laces, button shirts, fasten buckles or pull up zippers anymore” | “I haven’t been able to tie laces, button shirts, fasten buckles or pull up zippers for weeks” |
| Do you have problems writing? | “No, I might feel some tingling in my hands, but I have no problems writing” | “It is a bit harder than before, but I can still write” | “I have severe difficulties writing” or “I cannot write anymore” | “I haven’t been able to write for weeks” |
| Do you have problems putting on your jewelry or your watch? | “No, I might feel some tingling in my hands, but I have no problems putting on my jewelry or my watch” | “It is a bit harder than before, but I can still put on my jewelry or my watch” | “I have severe difficulties putting on my jewelry or my watch” or “I cannot put on my jewelry or my watch anymore” | “I haven’t been able to put on my jewelry or my watch for weeks” |
| Do you have problems walking? | “No, I might feel some tingling in my feet, but I have no problems walking” | “It is a bit harder than before, but I can still walk” | “I have severe difficulties walking” or “I cannot walk anymore” | “I haven’t been able to walk for weeks |