PURPOSE: Oxaliplatin, an important chemotherapeutic agent in colorectal cancer, 
causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), for which prophylactic 
or therapeutic interventions are lacking. We aimed to investigate changes in 
upper extremities, activities of daily living (ADL), and health-related quality 
of life (HRQoL) parameters after the first chemotherapy cycle.
METHODS: Thirty-eight colorectal cancer patients scheduled to receive the 
leucovorin, 5'-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) therapy or the capecitabine, 
oxaliplatin (CAPOX) therapy, participated. Patients underwent objective 
assessment of sensory function, muscular strength, and manual dexterity and 
answered the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer 
Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Disabilities of the 
Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-Disability/Symptom (DASH-DS) questionnaires for 
subjective assessment. The CIPN was assessed at baseline and prior to the second 
drug cycle.
RESULTS: Light touch sensation in both hands worsened significantly after the 
first drug cycle, though no significant changes were observed in muscular 
strength and manual dexterity. The QLQ-C30 analysis showed that Physical 
Functioning, Role Functioning, Nausea and Vomiting, and Dyspnea were 
significantly worse, whereas Emotional Functioning was improved. The DASH-DS 
analysis revealed significant worsening of dysfunction and subjective symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that light touch sensation may worsen even in 
the absence of multiple chemotherapy cycles. Even if arm and hand function 
(muscular strength and manual dexterity) is apparently intact, patients may 
experience dysfunction and decreased HRQoL. For preserving or improving 
patients' ADL and HRQoL, it is imperative to provide support at chemotherapy 
initiation.