Is numbness a common side effect of stomach cancer treatment?

Yes, numbness and tingling (called peripheral neuropathy) are relatively common during and after stomach cancer treatment, especially with certain chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin and paclitaxel. ^[1] Neuropathy typically shows up as tingling, numbness, burning pain, or weakness in the fingers and toes and can affect balance and daily activities. ^[2]

Why numbness happens

• Certain chemotherapy medicines can irritate or damage peripheral nerves, leading to sensory changes like tingling and numbness. ^[3]
• Drugs commonly used in stomach cancer that are linked with neuropathy include platinum agents (oxaliplatin) and taxanes (paclitaxel). ^[4]
• Neuropathy usually starts in the toes and fingers and can progress in a “glove and stocking” pattern with ongoing treatment or higher cumulative doses. ^[5]
• Depending on the drug and dose, symptoms may improve over 6–12 months after treatment ends, though in some cases they can persist. ^[3]

How common is it in stomach cancer treatment?

• Chemotherapy for stomach cancer frequently lists neuropathy among expected side effects, alongside fatigue, hair thinning, low blood counts, nausea, and diarrhea. ^[6]
• Oncologists consider neuropathy one of the more notable side effects with regimens that include oxaliplatin or paclitaxel in gastric and esophageal cancers. ^[4]

When to contact your oncology team

• Report new or worsening numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, trouble with buttons or zippers, balance problems, or frequent tripping. ^[7]
• Early reporting helps your team adjust treatment to prevent long‑term nerve damage. ^[3]

Clinical management during treatment

• Your team will assess neuropathy at each visit and may reduce the dose, delay a cycle, switch drugs, or stop the causative agent if symptoms reach moderate (grade 2) or worse. ^[8]
• This approach aims to balance cancer control with nerve safety and reduce the risk of lasting symptoms. ^[3]

Symptom relief options

• Over‑the‑counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, may help mild discomfort, though they do not treat nerve damage itself. ^[9]
• Prescription options for nerve pain can include gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or certain tricyclic antidepressants, selected based on your profile. ^[10]
• Rehabilitation support with physical or occupational therapy can improve balance, strength, and function and reduce interference with daily activities. ^[11]
• Some people find complementary therapies like acupuncture, relaxation techniques, yoga, or meditation helpful when added to standard care. ^[12]
• A personalized plan from pain and rehabilitation specialists can address both acute and chronic discomfort and functional issues. ^[13]

Practical self‑care tips

• Protect hands and feet: wear well‑fitting shoes, inspect skin daily, and avoid extreme temperatures to prevent burns or injuries you might not feel. ^[14]
• Keep moving: gentle walking, calf and low‑back stretches, and hand/foot self‑massage can help flexibility and circulation. ^[15]
• Fall prevention: use night lights, remove tripping hazards, and consider balance exercises recommended by your therapist. ^[15]
• Pace activities and rest as needed to manage fatigue that can compound balance issues. ^[2]

Outlook and expectations

• Many cases improve gradually after chemotherapy ends, particularly when identified early and managed with treatment adjustments. ^[3]
• Some neuropathy can persist, so ongoing symptom management and rehabilitation can remain helpful over time. ^[3]

Quick reference: drugs linked to neuropathy in GI cancer care

• Platinum agents: oxaliplatin; carboplatin less commonly at standard doses. ^[16]
• Taxanes: paclitaxel and docetaxel, with risk increasing as doses accumulate. ^[17]
• Antibody‑drug conjugates and other agents may also cause neuropathy, though they are used in specific settings. ^[18]

What your care team may do

• Grade severity, rule out other causes (like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies), and track progression visit by visit. ^[7]
• Adjust chemotherapy plans if neuropathy reaches certain thresholds to prevent irreversible damage. ^[8]
• Coordinate medications for nerve pain and refer to rehabilitation for function and safety. ^[11]

Key takeaways

• Neuropathy with numbness and tingling is a recognized side effect of several common stomach cancer treatments, especially oxaliplatin and paclitaxel. ^{[1] [4]}
• Early reporting allows dose adjustments and supportive care that may limit severity and long‑term effects. ^[3]
• A mix of medications, rehabilitation, safety strategies, and complementary therapies can meaningfully ease symptoms and protect quality of life. ^{[10] [11] [12] [14]}