British journal of anaesthesia
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Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating condition impacting 30% of cancer survivors. This study is the first to explore whether a brain-based vulnerability to chronic sensory CIPN exists. ⋯ Before administration of any chemotherapy or appearance of CIPN symptoms, we observed altered patterns of brain activity in response to nociceptive stimulation in patients who later developed chronic sensory CIPN. This suggests the possibility of a pre-existing vulnerability to developing CIPN centred on brainstem regions of the descending pain modulatory system.