Study summary · research use only
Integrative Approaches to Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review (species not specified) addresses research on complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The authors describe acupuncture, classical massage, omega-3 fatty acids, and the Japanese Kampo medicine Goshanjishen as CIM modalities studied for preventing or treating CIPN-related symptoms, while noting that vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), glutamine/glutamate, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) were not among those described as beneficial, with ALCAR reported to increase symptom severity and vitamin E associated with increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The authors state that CIM therapies with potential for CIPN warrant further investigation.
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of cancer treatment, with conventional treatment limited in its ability for prevention or treatment of symptoms. This review addresses the research assessing the effectiveness and safety of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) in preventing and treating CIPN-related symptoms. The CIM modalities acupuncture, classical massage, omega-3 fatty acids, and the Japanese Kampo medicine Goshanjishen may be of benefit in preventing or treating CIPN. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), glutamine/glutamate, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) are not, with ALCAR increasing symptom severity and vitamin E the risk for developing prostate cancer. CIM therapies with a potential for preventing or treating CIPN-related symptoms should be further investigated. CIM is considered safe when provided within an integrative oncology setting, under the guidance and supervision of an integrative physician.
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