| Summary: | Studies of biotherapy-induced physiological changes are few, and systematic monitoring for neurotoxic effects are lacking. The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was to determine the change in peripheral nerve function and symptom distress during treatment with biotherapy for malignant melanoma. A convenience sample of 11 participants with malignant melanoma receiving interferon-alpha had measures of peripheral nerve function measured at baseline, four and 12 weeks of treatment. Data were analyzed using plots and regression slopes to determine change over time in sensation, gait/balance, vision, hearing, vibratory sense, muscle strength, deep tendon reflexes, blood pressure, and symptom distress. Declines in hearing, sensation, vibration, and muscle strength were found. Changes in visual acuity, and orthostatic blood pressure were noted, while gait/balance remained stable. Additionally, neuropathy symptoms were associated with symptom distress. The characterization of such changes can increase our understanding of the nature of the physiological effects associated with high-dose biotherapy treatment and aid clinicians to better prepare patients for anticipated changes in function and subsequent lifestyle adjustments. These findings can be used to provide information in a larger study of this phenomenon regarding important outcomes and measurement time-points of therapy-induced neuropathy and decreasing symptom distress in patients receiving cancer treatment with biologic agents.
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