Chemotherapy's Dark Side: Ignoring Foot Care Could Be a Costly Mistake
November 10, 2025
Here's a shocking revelation: many chemotherapy patients are unknowingly neglecting a crucial aspect of their recovery. A recent study from the University of South Australia reveals that up to half of patients experience irreversible nerve damage in their lower limbs due to chemotherapy, yet they are missing out on podiatry care that could make a world of difference.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers investigated the use of podiatry services among individuals at risk of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). This condition, a common side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like Oxaliplatin, results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the feet.
But here's the catch: despite the potential for long-term damage, only a small fraction of patients, less than 20%, sought podiatry care within five years of treatment. This statistic is concerning, given the study's focus on 3292 colorectal cancer patients, 82% of whom were treated with Oxaliplatin.
PhD candidate and podiatrist Sindhrani Dars emphasizes the study's significance, stating, "Colorectal cancer patients often endure neurotoxic chemotherapy, and CIPN is a harsh reality they face. This condition can permanently damage nerves in the feet, causing numbness, burning sensations, and reduced sensitivity."
And this is the part most people miss: CIPN can be so debilitating that it may lead patients to reduce or even stop their chemotherapy treatments. This highlights the urgent need for additional support.
"Podiatrists, as specialized healthcare professionals, are trained to manage lower limb issues. They can provide essential care for chemotherapy patients, but many are unaware of this option," Dars adds.
The study's findings suggest that podiatry should be an integral part of routine oncology care. By promoting podiatry services to patients and clinicians, the symptoms of CIPN-related foot complications can be better managed.
But here's where it gets controversial: while podiatry is not a cure for CIPN, researchers argue that it must be a key component of cancer survivorship care, as there are no proven strategies to prevent or reverse CIPN.
"Early podiatry intervention can be life-changing for patients. It can prevent falls, reduce the risk of amputations, alleviate pain, and enhance mobility, all of which are crucial for recovery and overall quality of life," the researchers emphasize.
Interestingly, Australian guidelines for CIPN management are non-existent, and the published clinical pathway for CIPN does not include podiatry. This oversight underscores the need for increased awareness among cancer patients and healthcare teams about the benefits of podiatry.
Dars concludes, "CIPN is a prevalent issue, but the low uptake of podiatry services is alarming. Podiatry deserves a central role in cancer care, and we must create clearer referral processes in oncology to address this gap."
The research team, in collaboration with Australian podiatrists, has developed comprehensive clinical recommendations for managing CIPN symptoms, accessible at: https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13047-023-00632-0
For media inquiries, contact Sindhrani (Rani) Dars at sindhrani.dars@mymail.unisa.edu.au or Annabel Mansfield at +61 479 182 489, Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au.
