Prevalência de dor neuropática e fatores associados em pacientes oncológicos atendidos em unidade de alta complexidade: análise baseada em escalas validadas de avaliação da dor e da funcionalidade

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a chronic-degenerative condition characterized by disordered cell growth, potentially leading to metastasis and causing significant physical and emotional discomfort. Among the adverse effects of oncological treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, neuropathic pain stands out as an often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and functional capacity. This dissertation aimed to investigate the prevalence of neuropathic pain, associated clinical factors and functional changes in oncology outpatients at Ophir Loyola Hospital in Belém, Pará, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, and observational study conducted between June and December 2024. Eighty adult participants diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were included. Validated instruments were used for data collection: painDETECT, DN 4, ESAS-r, and FACT/GOG-Ntx, in addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was based on association tests and logistic regression, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: 80% of participants reported pain; of these, 32.8% scored positive for neuropathic pain using painDETECT, and 43.8% were classified with neuropathic pain according to the DN-4. The ESAS-r scale was the only instrument that showed a statistically significant association with the presence of neuropathic pain (p<0.05), highlighting its potential as a sensitive tool for screening this condition. Conclusion: Neuropathic pain is present in a considerable portion of oncology patients and its effective identification relies on the use of standardized assessment tools. Moreover, the need for structured clinical protocols for pain and functional assessment is emphasized to support comprehensive and humanized oncological care.