Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. It most often starts in the fingers and toes.
Why it happens
Some chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, vincristine, and bortezomib, commonly cause it. Some antibody drug conjugates, such as brentuximab vedotin and enfortumab vedotin, can too.
What helps
- Tell your care team about any numbness or tingling early. Changing the plan early may prevent lasting damage.
- Protect your feet with shoes that fit well, and check your feet daily for cuts.
- Test bath water with your elbow or a thermometer, since you may not feel heat well.
- Wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid cold drinks if you get oxaliplatin.
- Remove rugs and clutter, and use night lights to prevent falls.
- Ask about physical or occupational therapy to help with balance and hand skills.
Call your care team right away if you have
- You have trouble buttoning, writing, or picking up small things.
- You have trouble walking, feel unsteady, or fall.
- You have new pain, weakness, or numbness that is getting worse.
Questions to ask
- Is my neuropathy likely to improve after treatment?
- Should my treatment be changed because of these symptoms?
- Are there medicines or therapy that can ease nerve pain?
Medicines that can cause this
- Bortezomib
- Brentuximab vedotin
- Cabazitaxel
- Carboplatin
- Cisplatin
- Docetaxel
- Elotuzumab
- Enfortumab vedotin
- Eribulin
- Fludarabine
- Isatuximab
- Ixazomib
- Lorlatinib
- Mirvetuximab soravtansine
- Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)
- Oxaliplatin
- Paclitaxel
- Pertuzumab
- Polatuzumab vedotin
- Thalidomide
- Tisotumab vedotin
- Trastuzumab emtansine
- Vinblastine
- Vincristine
- Vinorelbine
Sources
Quick answers
- What is neuropathy during cancer treatment?
- Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. It most often starts in the fingers and toes.
- Why does neuropathy happen?
- Some chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, vincristine, and bortezomib, commonly cause it. Some antibody drug conjugates, such as brentuximab vedotin and enfortumab vedotin, can too.
- What helps with neuropathy?
- Tell your care team about any numbness or tingling early. Changing the plan early may prevent lasting damage; Protect your feet with shoes that fit well, and check your feet daily for cuts; Test bath water with your elbow or a thermometer, since you may not feel heat well; Wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid cold drinks if you get oxaliplatin; Remove rugs and clutter, and use night lights to prevent falls; Ask about physical or occupational therapy to help with balance and hand skills.
- When should I call my care team about neuropathy?
- You have trouble buttoning, writing, or picking up small things; You have trouble walking, feel unsteady, or fall; You have new pain, weakness, or numbness that is getting worse.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.