A common, often overlooked side effect
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy — CIPN — is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. It happens when chemotherapy damages peripheral nerves: the long nerves that carry sensation from your hands, feet, arms, and legs to your spinal cord and brain.
For some people CIPN fades in the months after treatment ends. For many others, it persists — sometimes for years. That persistence is what makes CIPN such a significant quality-of-life issue.
How it feels
CIPN typically begins in the fingertips and toes, then can move up the limbs in a glove-and-stocking pattern. The most common experiences include tingling, burning, sharp or shooting sensations, numbness, and difficulty sensing temperature or texture.
Why nerves are vulnerable to chemotherapy
Peripheral nerves rely on long, thin cells that need consistent energy, intact myelin insulation, and clean signaling pathways. Certain chemotherapy drugs interfere with these systems. The longest nerves are the most exposed — which is why symptoms appear first in feet and hands.
Recovery varies
Some people experience partial or substantial improvement after treatment, while symptoms persist for others. Discuss new, changing, or persistent symptoms with your healthcare team and ask which supportive approaches are appropriate for you.