OBJECTIVES

: The study aims to assess the frequency of myalgia in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy

METHODS

: This prospective observational study is being conducted in 44 subjects in a tertiary care hospital, patients receiving Platinum based Chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin) for a period of 6 months at our study site. The data on patient demographics include age, type of cancer, total number of cycles, occurrence of myalgia and different treatments were collected. The symptoms and severity of myalgia were assessed by VAS scale and CTCAE 5.0 v scale (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events).

RESULTS

: Among 235 patients 44 patients were found to be receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. The frequency of myalgia among the 44 subjects was found to be 24 (54%). Patients below 65 years of age which is 21(87.5%) had the highest frequency of myalgia. Gynaecological cancer had the highest frequency of myalgia 6(25%) followed by breast cancer 4(16%), lung 3(12%) and others 11(45%). The frequency of myalgia was higher in female subjects 16(66%) when compared to male subjects 8(33%). Patients receiving single therapy 14(58%) had the highest frequency of myalgia when compared to combination therapy 10(41%).

CONCLUSIONS

: One of the poorly researched but clinically significant adverse reaction post chemotherapy is myalgia also called musculoskeletal pain. Myalgia remains an important therapeutic challenge as it can interfere with activities of daily living, decrease quality of life (QOL) and lead to chemotherapy dose reductions, delays, and discontinuation.