Phase III evaluation of nortriptyline for alleviation of symptoms of cis-platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy

HDAC inhibitors as a potential therapy for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain

Cancer, a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell development, kills millions of people globally. The WHO reported over 10 million cancer deaths in 2020. Anticancer medications destroy healthy and malignant cells. Cancer treatment induces neuropathy. Anticancer drugs cause harm to spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerve somatosensory neurons, causing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The chemotherapy-induced mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are not fully understood. However, neuroinflammation has been identified as one of the various pathways associated with the onset of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The neuroinflammatory processes may exhibit varying characteristics based on the specific type of anticancer treatment delivered. Neuroinflammatory characteristics have been observed in the spinal cord, where microglia and astrocytes have a significant impact on the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The patient's quality of life might be affected by sensory deprivation, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and severe disability. High cancer rates and ineffective treatments are associated with this disease. Recently, histone deacetylases have become a novel treatment target for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain may be treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Histone deacetylase inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Common chemotherapeutic drugs, mechanisms, therapeutic treatments for neuropathic pain, and histone deacetylase and its inhibitors in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are covered in this paper. We propose that histone deacetylase inhibitors may treat several aspects of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, and identifying these inhibitors as potentially unique treatments is crucial to the development of various chemotherapeutic combination treatments.

Analgesic Effect of Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in a Rodent Model

Cancer chemotherapy often triggers peripheral neuropathy in patients, leading to neuropathic pain in the extremities. While previous research has explored various nerve stimulation to alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), evidence on the effectiveness of noninvasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of non-invasive aVNS in relieving CIPN pain. To induce CIPN in experimental animals, oxaliplatin was intraperitoneally administered to rats (6 mg/kg). Mechanical and cold allodynia, the representative symptoms of neuropathic pain, were evaluated using the von Frey test and acetone test, respectively. The CIPN animals were randomly assigned to groups and treated with aVNS (5 V, square wave) at different frequencies (2, 20, or 100 Hz) for 20 minutes. Results revealed that 20 Hz aVNS exhibited the most pronounced analgesic effect, while 2 or 100 Hz aVNS exhibited weak effects. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated increased c-Fos expression in the locus coeruleus (LC) in the brain of CIPN rats treated with aVNS compared to sham treatment. To elucidate the analgesic mechanisms involving the adrenergic descending pathway, α1-, α2-, or β-adrenergic receptor antagonists were administered to the spinal cord before 20 Hz aVNS. Only the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol, blocked the analgesic effect of aVNS. These findings suggest that 20 Hz aVNS may effectively alleviate CIPN pain through β-adrenergic receptor activation.

Contributions of neuroimmune interactions to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy development and its prevention/therapy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating sequela that is difficult for both clinicians and cancer patients to manage. Precise mechanisms of CIPN remain elusive and current clinically prescribed therapies for CIPN have limited efficacy. Recent studies have begun investigating the interactions between the peripheral and central nervous systems and the immune system. Understanding these neuroimmune interactions may shift the paradigm of elucidating CIPN mechanisms. Although the contribution of immune cells to CIPN pathogenesis represents a promising area of research, its fully defined mechanisms have not yet been established. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss (i) current shortcoming of CIPN treatments, (ii) the roles of neuroimmune interactions in CIPN development and (iii) potential neuroimmune interaction-targeting treatment strategies for CIPN. Interestingly, monocytes/macrophages in dorsal root ganglia; microglia and astrocytes in spinal cord; mast cells in skin; and Schwann cell near peripheral nerves have been identified as inducers of CIPN behaviors, whereas T cells have been found to contribute to CIPN resolution. Additionally, nerve-resident immune cells have been targeted as prevention and/or therapy for CIPN using traditional herbal medicines, small molecule inhibitors, and intravenous immunoglobulins in a preclinical setting. Overall, unveiling neuroimmune interactions associated with CIPN may ultimately reduce cancer mortality and improve cancer patients' quality of life.

Protective Effects of Glatiramer Acetate Against Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats: A Role for Inflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major challenge for cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy with paclitaxel. Therefore, finding effective therapies for CIPN is crucial. Glatiramer acetate is used to treat multiple sclerosis that exerts neuroprotective properties in various studies. We hypothesized that glatiramer acetate could also improve the paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. We used a rat model of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg/every other day for 7 doses)-induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were treated with either different doses of glatiramer acetate (1, 2, 4 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle for 14 days in separate groups. The mechanical and thermal sensitivity of the rats by using the Von Frey test and the Hot Plate test, respectively, were assessed during the study. The levels of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10, NF-kB), and nerve damage (H&E and S100B staining) in the sciatic nerves of the rats were also measured at the end of study. Glatiramer acetate (2 and 4 mg/kg) exerted beneficial effects on thermal and mechanical allodynia tests. It also modulated the inflammatory response by reducing TNF-α and NF-κB levels, enhancing IL-10 production, and improving the oxidative stress status by lowering malondialdehyde and increasing superoxide dismutase activity in the sciatic nerve of the rats. Furthermore, glatiramer acetate enhanced nerve conduction velocity in all treatment groups. Histological analysis revealed that glatiramer acetate (2 and 4 mg/kg) prevented paclitaxel-induced damage to the nerve structure. These results suggest that glatiramer acetate can alleviate the peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel.

Exercise for reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

More than half of cancer patients develop severe chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), resulting in low quality of life, negative effects on function, and challenges in treatment compliance. Most recent studies have shown that exercise therapy has a positive impact on reducing CIPN symptoms and can also improve quality of life, balance, and activity levels. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of exercise therapy on the efficacy of CIPN.

Methods

Computerized search of Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, VIP, CBM for RCTs on exercise therapy for CIPN from database creation to November 2022, without language restriction. The Cochrane Handbook 5.3 risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Then Revman 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The heterogeneity of the research results is tested by I2, continuous variables were presented as weighted mean difference or standard mean difference, and confidence intervals were set at 95%. Stata15.0 was utilized to conduct a meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 15 RCTs with 1,124 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the test group was superior to the control group in terms of total symptom score (SMD: -0.62; 95% Cl: -0.99, -0.24), numbness, tingling, quality of life score (total score, physical, function), pain, balance, and neurotoxicity function assessment (FACT/GOG-NTX) questionnaire (p < 0.05).

Limitations

The duration and frequency of treatment are different every week, which may have some impact on the results.

Conclusion

Exercise therapy can be effective in treating CIPN by improving symptom score (total symptom score, numbness, tingling), quality of life score (total score, physical function), pain, balance, and FACT/GOG-NTX questionnaires. It still needs to be refined and validated by more high-quality, multicenter, large-sample RCTs in the future.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022373131, identifier: CRD42022373131.

Colon Cancer Survivorship in Patients Who Have Received Adjuvant Chemotherapy

The number of colon cancer survivors in the United States is increasing due to improved early detection, better treatments that extend survival, and the growing aging population who are at high risk for cancer. Following initial active treatment, colon cancer survivors experience a wide range of long-term physical, psychological, and socio-economic effects that impact their overall well-being. Healthcare providers caring for survivors need to prioritize not only monitoring for cancer recurrence but also optimizing their overall health through addressing these long-term effects; managing their comorbidities; promoting healthy behaviors (like exercise, nutrition, and weight loss); and screening for a second primary cancer depending on their risk. Personalized survivorship care plans should be formulated clearly outlining the roles of various healthcare providers involved in their care. Our review article focuses on these various aspects of colon cancer survivorship, including surveillance for cancer recurrence specific to those who received adjuvant chemotherapy with curative intent.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis, Agents, General Clinical Presentation, and Treatments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to discuss pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Agent-specific presentation and pathophysiology is also being discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

As new systemic oncological treatments continue to be developed, the number of cancer survivors continues to grow. Survivors are living longer with the long-term side effects of oncological treatments. We reviewed the pathophysiology of agent-specific chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the updates in its treatment and preventative tools. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating long-term side effect that often impairs cancer survivors' function and quality of life. The increasing life expectancy of cancer survivors has resulted in increased prevalence of this condition. Understanding its intricacies can provide physicians with better treatment tools and research opportunities to develop or identify new therapeutic agents.

An umbrella review of the evidence to guide decision-making in acupuncture therapies for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture therapy is believed to have therapeutic potential for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This umbrella review aims to summarize and evaluate the evidence from current systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for CIPN.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search in eight electronic databases for SRs/MAs that included RCTs on acupuncture treatment for CIPN. Two separate researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the SRs/MAs that were included in the study. Additionally, we examined the extent of overlap among the included RCTs by calculating the corrected covered area (CCA). Furthermore, we assessed the dependability of the effect sizes by conducting excess significance tests. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of all RCTs included in the SRs/MAs to obtain objective and updated conclusions. Furthermore, we also conducted an analysis of the acupuncture points used in RCTs.

RESULTS

This umbrella review includes 9 SRs/MAs, and their methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and evidence quality were all deemed unsatisfactory. Out of the 9 SRs/MAs, 28 RCTs were included, with a total CCA of 25.4%, indicating a high degree of overlap. The test of super-significance did not yield any significant results. Our updated meta-analysis suggests that CIPN patients can benefit from acupuncture therapy, as indicated by effectiveness in measures including BPI-SF, VAS, FACT-NTX, NRS, SCV, and NCI-CTCAE. Egger's test and sensitivity analysis demonstrate the reliability and stability of this conclusion. The commonly used acupuncture points in the current RCTs include ST36, LI11, LI4, LR3, and SP6.

CONCLUSION

Based on the existing evidence, acupuncture is effective and safe for patients with CIPN, as it can significantly improve effective rate, pain symptoms, quality of life, and nerve conduction velocity. However, given the low quality of current evidence, we should be cautious in interpreting this conclusion.

Crosstalk of Mast Cells and Natural Killer Cells with Neurons in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major comorbidity of cancer. Multiple clinical interventions have been studied to effectively treat CIPN, but the results have been disappointing, with no or little efficacy. Hence, understanding the pathophysiology of CIPN is critical to improving the quality of life and clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Although various mechanisms of CIPN have been described in neuropathic anti-cancer agents, the neuroinflammatory process involving cytotoxic/proinflammatory immune cells remains underexamined. While mast cells (MCs) and natural killer (NK) cells are the key innate immune compartments implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy, their role in CIPN has remained under-appreciated. Moreover, the biology of proinflammatory cytokines associated with MCs and NK cells in CIPN is particularly under-evaluated. In this review, we will focus on the interactions between MCs, NK cells, and neuronal structure and their communications via proinflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in peripheral neuropathy in association with tumor immunology. This review will help lay the foundation to investigate MCs, NK cells, and cytokines to advance future therapeutic strategies for CIPN.

Measuring symptoms and toxicities: a 35-year experience

PURPOSE

When conducting trials aimed at the improvement of cancer-related and/or cancer treatment-related toxicities, it is important to determine the best means of measuring patients' symptoms.

METHODS

The authors of this current manuscript have an extensive experience with the conduct of symptom-control clinical trials. This experience is utilized to provide insight into the best means of measuring symptoms caused by cancer and/or cancer therapy.

RESULTS

Patient-reported outcome data are preferable for measuring bothersome symptoms, for determining toxicities caused by treatment approaches, and offer more accurate and detailed information compared with health care practitioners recording their impressions of patient experiences. Well-validated patient friendly measures are recommended when they are available. When such are not readily available, face-valid, single-item numerical rating scales are effective instruments to document both treatment trial outcomes and cancer treatment side effects/toxicities.

CONCLUSION

The use of numerical rating scales are effective means of measuring symptoms caused by cancer, by cancer treatments, and/or alleviated by symptom control treatment approaches.

Intrathecal administration of conditioned serum from different species resolves Chemotherapy-Induced neuropathic pain in mice via secretory exosomes

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most prevalent neurological complication of chemotherapy for cancer, and has limited effective treatment options. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is an effective biologic therapy used by intra-articular injection for patients with osteoarthritis. However, ACS has not been systematically tested in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies such as CIPN. It has been generally assumed that the analgesic effect of this biologic therapy results from augmented concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Here we report that a single intrathecal injection of human conditioned serum (hCS) produced long-lasting inhibition of paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (mechanical allodynia) in mice, without causing motor impairment. Strikingly, the analgesic effect of hCS in our experiments was maintained even 8 weeks after the treatment, compared with non-conditioned human serum (hNCS). Furthermore, the hCS transfer-induced pain relief in mice was fully recapitulated by rat or mouse CS transfer to mice of both sexes, indicating cross-species and cross-sex effectiveness. Mechanistically, CS treatment blocked the chemotherapy-induced glial reaction in the spinal cord and improved nerve conduction. Compared to NCS, CS contained significantly higher concentrations of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators, including IL-1Ra, TIMP-1, TGF-β1, and resolvins D1/D2. Intrathecal injection of anti-TGF-β1 and anti-Il-1Ra antibody transiently reversed the analgesic action of CS. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed that rat conditioned serum contained a significantly greater number of exosomes than NCS. Importantly, the removal of exosomes by high-speed centrifugation largely diminished the CS-produced pain relief, suggesting a critical involvement of small vesicles (exosomes) in the beneficial effects of CS. Together, our findings demonstrate that intrathecal CS produces a remarkable resolution of neuropathic pain mediated through a combination of small vesicles/exosomes and neuroimmune/neuroglial modulation.

Antidepressants for pain management in adults with chronic pain: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is common in adults, and often has a detrimental impact upon physical ability, well-being, and quality of life. Previous reviews have shown that certain antidepressants may be effective in reducing pain with some benefit in improving patients' global impression of change for certain chronic pain conditions. However, there has not been a network meta-analysis (NMA) examining all antidepressants across all chronic pain conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the comparative efficacy and safety of antidepressants for adults with chronic pain (except headache).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, AMED and PsycINFO databases, and clinical trials registries, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressants for chronic pain conditions in January 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs that examined antidepressants for chronic pain against any comparator. If the comparator was placebo, another medication, another antidepressant, or the same antidepressant at different doses, then we required the study to be double-blind. We included RCTs with active comparators that were unable to be double-blinded (e.g. psychotherapy) but rated them as high risk of bias. We excluded RCTs where the follow-up was less than two weeks and those with fewer than 10 participants in each arm.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors separately screened, data extracted, and judged risk of bias. We synthesised the data using Bayesian NMA and pairwise meta-analyses for each outcome and ranked the antidepressants in terms of their effectiveness using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). We primarily used Confidence in Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) and Risk of Bias due to Missing Evidence in Network meta-analysis (ROB-MEN) to assess the certainty of the evidence. Where it was not possible to use CINeMA and ROB-MEN due to the complexity of the networks, we used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. Our primary outcomes were substantial (50%) pain relief, pain intensity, mood, and adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were moderate pain relief (30%), physical function, sleep, quality of life, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), serious adverse events, and withdrawal.

MAIN RESULTS

This review and NMA included 176 studies with a total of 28,664 participants. The majority of studies were placebo-controlled (83), and parallel-armed (141). The most common pain conditions examined were fibromyalgia (59 studies); neuropathic pain (49 studies) and musculoskeletal pain (40 studies). The average length of RCTs was 10 weeks. Seven studies provided no useable data and were omitted from the NMA. The majority of studies measured short-term outcomes only and excluded people with low mood and other mental health conditions. Across efficacy outcomes, duloxetine was consistently the highest-ranked antidepressant with moderate- to high-certainty evidence. In duloxetine studies, standard dose was equally efficacious as high dose for the majority of outcomes. Milnacipran was often ranked as the next most efficacious antidepressant, although the certainty of evidence was lower than that of duloxetine. There was insufficient evidence to draw robust conclusions for the efficacy and safety of any other antidepressant for chronic pain.  Primary efficacy outcomes Duloxetine standard dose (60 mg) showed a small to moderate effect for substantial pain relief (odds ratio (OR) 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69 to 2.17; 16 studies, 4490 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and continuous pain intensity (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.31, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.24; 18 studies, 4959 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). For pain intensity, milnacipran standard dose (100 mg) also showed a small effect (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.06; 4 studies, 1866 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Mirtazapine (30 mg) had a moderate effect on mood (SMD -0.5, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.22; 1 study, 406 participants; low-certainty evidence), while duloxetine showed a small effect (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.1; 26 studies, 7952 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); however it is important to note that most studies excluded participants with mental health conditions, and so average anxiety and depression scores tended to be in the 'normal' or 'subclinical' ranges at baseline already. Secondary efficacy outcomes Across all secondary efficacy outcomes (moderate pain relief, physical function, sleep, quality of life, and PGIC), duloxetine and milnacipran were the highest-ranked antidepressants with moderate-certainty evidence, although effects were small. For both duloxetine and milnacipran, standard doses were as efficacious as high doses. Safety There was very low-certainty evidence for all safety outcomes (adverse events, serious adverse events, and withdrawal) across all antidepressants. We cannot draw any reliable conclusions from the NMAs for these outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our review and NMAs show that despite studies investigating 25 different antidepressants, the only antidepressant we are certain about for the treatment of chronic pain is duloxetine. Duloxetine was moderately efficacious across all outcomes at standard dose. There is also promising evidence for milnacipran, although further high-quality research is needed to be confident in these conclusions. Evidence for all other antidepressants was low certainty. As RCTs excluded people with low mood, we were unable to establish the effects of antidepressants for people with chronic pain and depression. There is currently no reliable evidence for the long-term efficacy of any antidepressant, and no reliable evidence for the safety of antidepressants for chronic pain at any time point.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Pain in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and often painful condition that occurs after administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The primary objective of this systematic review was to appraise the literature on conservative, pharmacological, and interventional treatment options for CIPN pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is level I evidence supporting modest to moderate improvement in CIPN pain from duloxetine treatment, as well as short-term modest improvement from physical therapy and acupuncture. Although opioid and cannabis administration may provide short-term modest improvement, administration is commonly limited by side effects. Generally, most studies reported no clinical benefit from yoga, topical neuropathic agents, gabapentinoids, and tricyclic antidepressants. Evidence is currently equivocal for scrambler therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Finally, evidence on neuromodulation options is limited to mostly case reports/series and one observational study highlighting moderate improvement with auricular nerve stimulation. This systematic review provides an overview of conservative, pharmacologic, and interventional treatment modalities for CIPN pain. Furthermore, it provides a level of evidence and degree of recommendation based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for each specific treatment modality.

Time dependent cisplatin dosing differences on hypoalgesia focusing on oxidative stress

Although cisplatin is a key drug in cancer chemotherapy, it often causes sensory peripheral neuropathy, presenting as allodynia in the early stage and hypoalgesia in the serious stage. Chronotherapy has previously been shown to ameliorate cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy that was severe enough to cause hypoalgesia in rats. It also has adverse effects such as renal dysfunction and ototoxicity, which are induced by oxidative stress. Here, we show that oxidative stress causes severe cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, and that differences in oxidative stress occur depending on the dosing time of cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered to rats at 5:00 or 17:00 every seven days for four weeks. The antioxidant agent, 1,3-Dimethylthiourea (DMTU), was administered before and after the administration of cisplatin. The hot plate test was used to assess hypoalgesia. Oxidative stress in the sciatic nerve was assessed from thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Nerve apoptosis was analysed with qRT-PCR. We observed an increase in TBARs and a decrease in SOD activity with the development of cisplatin-induced hypoalgesia, which was ameliorated by DMTU treatment. Furthermore, differences in the dosing time of cisplatin caused differences in oxidative stress which were correlated with cisplatin-induced hypoalgesia. Severe oxidative stress caused cisplatin-induced hypoalgesia, and chronotherapy with cisplatin ameliorated hypoalgesia by reducing oxidative stress. In the future, chronotherapy with cisplatin may contribute to the treatment of cancer in humans.

Treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review of randomized control trials

Purpose: Treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is challenging for clinicians, and many clinical trials and meta-analyses on CIPN are controversial. There are also few comparisons of the efficacy among drugs used to treat CIPN. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to study the efficacy of drugs in treating CIPN using existing randomized controlled trials. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving any pharmaceutical intervention and/or combination therapy of treating CIPN. Results: Seventeen RCTs investigating 16 drug categories, duloxetine, pregabalin, crocin, tetrodotoxin, venlafaxine, monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside (GM1), lamotrigine, KA (ketamine and amitriptyline) cream, nortriptyline, amitriptyline, topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) oil, BAK (baclofen, amitriptyline hydrochloride, and ketamine) pluronic lecithin organogel, gabapentin, and acetyl l-carnitine (ALC), in the treatment of CIPN were retrieved. Many of the included RCTs consisted of small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. It was difficult to quantify due to the highly variable nature of outcome indicators. Conclusion: Duloxetine, venlafaxine, pregabalin, crocin, tetrodotoxin, and monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside exhibited some beneficial effects in treating CIPN. Duloxetine, GM1, and crocin showed moderate benefits based on the evidence review, while lamotrigine, KA cream, nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) oil were not beneficial. Further studies were necessary to confirm the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of CIPN because of the controversy of efficacy of gabapentin. Furthermore, BAK topicalcompound analgesic gel only had a tendency to improve the CIPN symptoms, but the difference was not statistically significant. ALC might result in worsening CIPN. Most studies were not of good quality because of small sample sizes. Therefore, standardized randomized controlled trials with large samples were needed to critically assess the effectiveness of these drugs in treating CIPN in the future.

The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture/electroacupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting adverse effect of anticancer agents with virtually no effective treatment. Safe and effective therapies are needed urgently. Acupuncture shows therapeutic possibilities in this regard but needs to be further evaluated.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in seven databases from their inception to April 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on acupuncture/electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of CIPN were included. Revman 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis if there was no significant heterogeneity. Otherwise, qualitative analysis was utilized.

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 582 patients were included in this review. Most of the studies exhibited unclear risk of bias because some details were not mentioned. As the clinical heterogeneity was significant, qualitative analysis was performed to describe nerve conduction velocity, effective rate for motor neuropathy, pain scores, quality of life and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed on four studies to analyze the effective rate for sensory neuropathy due to inconspicuous heterogeneity. The results indicated that acupuncture may generate a better effect on sensory neuropathy than vitamin B (risk ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.31-1.95, I² = 0%, p < 0.00001). The efficacy of EA plus glutathione (GSH) appeared to be better than that of GSH alone in alleviating sensory neurotoxicity and in improving nerve conduction velocity. Acupuncture plus methylcobalamin showed more favorable effects than methylcobalamin alone in relieving neuralgia, restoring nerve conduction velocity and improving quality of life. In terms of pain relief and improved CIPN-specific quality of life, acupuncture plus standard care was better than standard care alone. In terms of pain relief, EA was more effective than usual care.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture may be effective and safe in the treatment of CIPN according to the analyzed studies. However, more studies with higher methodological quality are warranted in order to be able to draw firmer conclusions. Future rigorous RCTs will be necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for CIPN.

Treatment and diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: An update

When peripheral neuropathy occurs due to chemotherapy treatment, it is referred to as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Typically, symptoms are sensory rather than motor and include reduced feeling and heightened sensitivity to pressure, pain, temperature, and touch. The pathophysiology of CIPN is very complex, and it involves multiple mechanisms leading to its development which will be described specifically for each chemotherapeutic class. There are currently no approved or effective agents for CIPN prevention, and Duloxetine is the only medication that is an effective treatment against CIPN. There is an unavoidable necessity to develop preventative and treatment approaches for CIPN due to its detrimental impact on patients' lives. The purpose of this review is to examine CIPN, innovative pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy and preventive strategies for this illness, and future perspectives for this condition and its therapies.

Pharmacologic Management of Persistent Pain in Cancer Survivors

Improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has seen cancer mortality substantially diminish in the past three decades. It is estimated there are almost 20 million cancer survivors in the USA alone, but some 40% live with chronic pain after completing treatment. While a broad definition of survivorship that includes all people living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis—including those with active cancer—is often used, this narrative review primarily focuses on the management of pain in people who are disease-free after completing primary cancer treatment as adults. Chronic pain in this population needs a different approach to that used for people with a limited prognosis. After describing the common chronic pain syndromes caused by cancer treatment, and the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved, the pharmacologic management of entities such as post-surgical pain, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, aromatase inhibitor musculoskeletal syndrome and checkpoint inhibitor-related pain are described. The challenges  associated with opioid prescribing in this population are given special attention. Expert guidelines on pain management in cancer survivors now recommend a combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities, and these are also briefly covered.

Updates in the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

OPINION STATEMENT

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity associated with treatment with platinum-based agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and other specific agents. The long-term consequences of this condition can result in decreased patient quality of life and can lead to reduced dose intensity, which can negatively impact disease outcomes. There are currently no evidence-based preventative strategies for CIPN and only limited options for treatment. However, there are several strategies that can be utilized to improve patient experience and outcomes as more data are gathered in the prevention and treatment setting. Before treatment, patient education on the potential side effects of chemotherapy is key, and although trials have been limited, recommending exercise and a healthy lifestyle before and while undergoing chemotherapy may provide some overall benefit. In patients who develop painful CIPN, our approach is to offer duloxetine and titrate up to 60 mg daily. Chemotherapy doses may also need to be reduced if intolerable symptoms develop during treatment. Some patients may also try acupuncture and physical therapy to help address their symptoms, although this can be limited by cost, time commitment, and patient motivation. Additionally, data on these modalities are currently limited, as studies are ongoing. Overall, approaching each patient on an individual level and tailoring treatment options for them based on overall physical condition, their disease burden, goals of care and co-morbid health conditions, and willingness to trial different approaches is necessary when addressing CIPN.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Epidemiology, Pathomechanisms and Treatment

PURPOSE

This review provides an update on the current clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological evidence alongside the diagnostic, prevention and treatment approach to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

FINDINGS

The incidence of cancer and long-term survival after treatment is increasing. CIPN affects sensory, motor and autonomic nerves and is one of the most common adverse events caused by chemotherapeutic agents, which in severe cases leads to dose reduction or treatment cessation, with increased mortality. The primary classes of chemotherapeutic agents associated with CIPN are platinum-based drugs, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, bortezomib and thalidomide. Platinum agents are the most neurotoxic, with oxaliplatin causing the highest prevalence of CIPN. CIPN can progress from acute to chronic, may deteriorate even after treatment cessation (a phenomenon known as coasting) or only partially attenuate. Different chemotherapeutic agents share both similarities and key differences in pathophysiology and clinical presentation. The diagnosis of CIPN relies heavily on identifying symptoms, with limited objective diagnostic approaches targeting the class of affected nerve fibres. Studies have consistently failed to identify at-risk cohorts, and there are no proven strategies or interventions to prevent or limit the development of CIPN. Furthermore, multiple treatments developed to relieve symptoms and to modify the underlying disease in CIPN have failed.

IMPLICATIONS

The increasing prevalence of CIPN demands an objective approach to identify at-risk patients in order to prevent or limit progression and effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with CIPN. An evidence base for novel targets and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is beginning to emerge and has been recognised recently in publications by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and analgesic trial design expert groups such as ACTTION.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and rehabilitation: A review

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication after chemotherapy that can damage the sensory, motor, autonomic, or cranial nerves in approximately 30%-60% of patients with cancer. CIPN can lead to detrimental dose modifications and/or premature chemotherapy discontinuation due to patient intolerance. The long-term impact of CIPN is particularly challenging and can have a profound impact on the quality of life (QoL) and survivorship. However, this condition is often underdiagnosed. No agents have been established to prevent CIPN. Pre-chemotherapy testing is recommended for high-risk patients. Duloxetine is considered a first-line treatment, whereas gabapentin, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, and topical compounding creams may be used for neuropathic pain control. Home-based, low-to-moderate walking, and resistance exercise during chemotherapy can reduce the severity and prevalence of CIPN symptoms, especially in older patients. Pre-habilitation and rehabilitation should be recommended for all patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapies. The purpose of this article is to review common chemotherapeutic drugs causing CIPN, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of CIPN, and evidence of the benefits of rehabilitation.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Avenues

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious and often persistent adverse consequence of certain chemotherapeutic agents. It is a major dose-limiting factor of many first-line chemotherapies, affecting 20-50% of patients at standard doses and nearly all patients at high doses. As cancer survivorship continues to increase with improvements in early diagnosis and treatment, more patients will experience CIPN despite completing cancer treatment, which interferes with recovery, leading to chronic pain and worsening quality of life. The National Cancer Institute has identified CIPN as a priority in translational research. To date, there are no FDA-approved drugs for preventing or treating CIPN, with emerging debate on mechanisms and promising new targets. This review highlights current literature and suggests novel approaches to CIPN based on proposed mechanisms of action that aim either to confer neuroprotection against chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity or reverse the downstream effects of painful neuropathy.

Preliminary effects of low-intensity focused ultrasound treatment program for cancer-related neuropathic pain

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) therapy in the management of cancer-related neuropathic pain (CNP). Methods: A retrospective review with 22 patients with CNP treated with LIFU therapy (frequency 3 Hz, 3 W/cm², pulse mode duty cycle 50%) was conducted. Results: Out of the 22 patients, 15 had CNP secondary to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in numeric pain rating scale (p < 0.001). Additionally, 76.5% of patients (n = 13) were considered to be responders to LIFU therapy. Conclusion: LIFU therapy may be a viable treatment modality in the management of CNP, specifically chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, with a minimal side effect profile. Larger, prospective studies with a structured protocol are necessary.

Efficacy of Auricular Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series of 73 Cases

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can adversely affect completion of systemic anticancer treatment and cause long-term morbidity. To date, its physiopathology remains unclear, and treatments are rare and poorly performed. Auricular acupuncture has already offered interesting results in several symptoms. Objective: This study (AACIPN2020) assessed the efficacy of auriculotherapy in CIPN. Design: We used patients' systematically collected data of 2014-2016 in a medical oncology practice. The treatment was made according to guidelines of the interuniversity diploma and the cartography of the World Health Organization. Pain assessment according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event scale was orally collected. Results: Seventy-three cancer patients were treated for CIPN. They had finished chemotherapy 24 weeks prior on average. They received on average 23 punctures at each appointment. Sixty-five percent of patients met satisfaction, with 31% with a real impact on their daily life. Efficacy appeared after one or two treatments for 96% of cases. Some patients continued treatment to maximize benefits. Conclusions: Auricular acupuncture is a safe and inexpensive method of CIPN treatment. It may be applied earlier in chemotherapy administration, and in a large variety of other symptoms. Clinical trial registration number: COS RGDS 2019 09 001.

Capsaicin 8% patch Qutenza and other current treatments for neuropathic pain in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current oral treatments for neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) have limited clinical efficacy, and undesirable side-effects. Topically delivered treatments have the advantage of avoiding CNS side-effects, while relieving pain. We have reviewed treatments of neuropathic pain associated with CIPN, focusing on the Capsaicin 8% patch, which can provide pain relief for up to 3 months or longer after a single 30-60-min application.

RECENT FINDINGS

Capsaicin 8% patch is a licensed treatment in the EU/UK for neuropathic pain and shown to be safe and effective in providing pain relief for patients with CIPN. Repeated daily oral or topical administrations are not required, as with other current treatments. The side-effects are transient and restricted to the time around patch application. New evidence suggests the Capsaicin 8% patch can promote the regeneration and restoration of skin nerve fibres in CIPN, in addition to the pain relief.

SUMMARY

The Capsaicin 8% patch is now often a preferred a treatment option for localised neuropathic pain conditions, including the feet and hands in patients with CIPN. Capsaicin 8% patch can be repeated three-monthly, if needed, for a year. In addition to pain relief, it may have a disease-modifying effect.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): current therapies and topical treatment option with high-concentration capsaicin

Cancer diagnosis and treatment are drastic events for patients and their families. Besides psychological aspects of the disease, patients are often affected by severe side effects related to the cancer itself or as a result of therapeutic interventions. Particularly, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most prevalent neurological complication of oral or intravenous chemotherapy. The disorder may require dose reduction of chemotherapy and is accompanied by multiple symptoms with long-term functional impairment affecting quality of life (QoL), e.g., sensory and functional deteriorations as well as severe pain. Although CIPN may reverse or improve after termination of the causative chemotherapy, approximately 30–40% of patients are faced with chronicity of the symptoms. Due to the advantages in cancer diagnosis and treatments, survival rates of cancer patients rise and CIPN may occur even more frequently in the future. In this review, we summarize current recommendations of leading national and international societies regarding prevention and treatment options in CIPN. A special focus will be placed on current evidence for topical treatment of CIPN with high-dose capsaicin. Finally, an algorithm for CIPN treatment in clinical practice is provided, including both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities based on the clinical presentation.

Effect of cannabis on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy among oncology patients: a retrospective analysis

Background:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and dosage-limited oxaliplatin-related toxicity. To date, there are no successful interventions for CIPN prevention or treatment. A therapeutic role for cannabis in diabetic and HIV-related peripheral neuropathy and a protective role in CIPN have been suggested. We examined the effect of cannabis on oncologic patients with CIPN.

Methods:

Medical records of 768 consecutive patients treated with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil-based combinations at a tertiary medical center from October 2015 to January 2018 were reviewed. Excluded patients were those with pre-existing neuropathy or patients who received fewer than two cycles of oxaliplatin treatment. CIPN grade, oxaliplatin cumulative dose, and neuropathy-free survival were evaluated. The patients were divided based upon the exposure to cannabis: prior to oxaliplatin (cannabis-first), cannabis following the initiation of oxaliplatin treatment (oxaliplatin-first), and no exposure (control).

Results:

In total, 513 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 248 were treated with cannabis and 265 served as controls. The cannabis-first group included 116 (46.7%) patients and the oxaliplatin-first group included 132 (53.3%) patients. Demographic parameters were comparable between groups. There was a significant difference in CIPN grade 2–3 between cannabis-exposed patients and controls (15.3% and 27.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). The protective effect of cannabis was more pronounced among cannabis-first patients compared to oxaliplatin-first patients (75% and 46.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). The median oxaliplatin cumulative doses were higher in the cannabis-first versus the oxaliplatin-first versus the control groups (545 mg/m², 340 mg/m², and 425 mg/m² respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The rate of neuropathy was reduced among patients treated with cannabis and oxaliplatin. This reduction was more significant in patients who received cannabis prior to treatment with oxaliplatin, suggesting a protective effect. A large prospective trial is planned.

The safety of current pharmacotherapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma

Introduction: Peri-operative chemotherapy is the backbone of treatment for patients with osteosarcoma. Methotrexate, cisplatinum, doxorubicin and ifosfamide are the main drugs used in chemotherapy regimens used for osteosarcoma.Areas covered: We have reviewed here the relevant literature related to the incidence and management of acute and late toxicities of systemic treatment used for the management of patients with osteosarcoma.Expert opinion: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of acute and late toxicities of chemotherapy is crucial for an efficient care of osteosarcoma patients. Although the incidence and management of chemotherapy-related acute toxicities are well known by most oncologists, the use of high doses of methotrexate have the potential to cause fatal toxicities and, therefore, needs careful monitoring. Moreover, the diagnosis of late toxicities is more challenging and requires long-term follow-up for an appropriate management.

Intercalation of curcumin into liposomal chemotherapeutic agent augments apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Resistance to common chemotherapeutic agents is a frequent phenomenon in late-stage breast cancers. An ideal system capable of the co-delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemotherapeutic agents can regulate the dosage and co-localization of pharmaceutical compounds and thereby improve the anticancer efficacy. Here, for the first time, we have intercalated curcumin (Cur) into a double-layered membrane of cisplatin (Cis) liposomes to obtain a dosage controlled co-delivery formulation, capable of inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The concentrations of Cur and Cis in nanoliposome (Cur-Cis@NLP) were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM); RSM optimization showed 99.81 and 23.86% entrapment efficiency for Cur and Cis, respectively. TEM analysis demonstrated the fabrication of nanoparticles with average diameter of 100 nm. The anticancer and apoptotic effects of Cur-Cis@NLPs were also evaluated using MTT assay, fluorescent staining and flow cytometry assays. Cytotoxicity assessments of various Cur-Cis@NLPs concentrations demonstrated a concentration-dependent manner. In comparison to free and liposomal Cis, Cur-Cis@NLP reduced breast cancer cells' viability (82.5%) in a significant manner at a final concentration of 32 μg.mL^-1 and 20 μg.mL^-1 of Cur and Cis, respectively. Combination index values calculation of Cur-Cis@NLP showed an overall CI value <1, indicating synergetic effect of the designed co-delivery system. Additionally, flow cytometry assay demonstrated Cur-Cis@NLPs triggered apoptosis about 10-folds higher than liposomal Cis. This co-drug delivery system has a potential for the encapsulation and release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, while taking the advantages of the reduced cytotoxic effect along with achieving high potency.

High-Dose 8% Capsaicin Patch in Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

This is a review of the evidence from studies of the efficacy and tolerability of topically applied and high-concentration (8%) capsaicin in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

For this review, we searched EMBASE and MEDLINE to June 20, 2020. The terms used in the search included capsaicin, capsaicin 8% patch, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 98 studies were obtained, but only five were selected for the final analysis, with a total of 95 patients included. Three of the studies are prospective and two retrospective, including less than 30 patients per study. Capsaicin 8% patch provides significant pain relief in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in all of them. However, the small number of studies (and patients) evaluated require caution with these results.

CONCLUSION

Additional clinical trials are required to establish the definitive role of the capsaicin patch in the future.

Neurotoxicity of antineoplastic drugs: Mechanisms, susceptibility, and neuroprotective strategies

This review summarizes the adverse effects on the central and/or peripheral nervous systems that may occur in response to antineoplastic drugs. In particular, we describe the neurotoxic side effects of the most commonly used drugs, such as platinum compounds, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, 5-fluorouracil, vinca alkaloids, taxanes, methotrexate, bortezomib and thalidomide. Neurotoxicity may result from direct action of compounds on the nervous system or from metabolic alterations produced indirectly by these drugs, and either the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system, or both, may be affected. The incidence and severity of neurotoxicity are principally related to the dose, to the duration of treatment, and to the dose intensity, though other factors, such as age, concurrent pathologies, and genetic predisposition may enhance the occurrence of side effects. To avoid or reduce the onset and severity of these neurotoxic effects, the use of neuroprotective compounds and/or strategies may be helpful, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of antineoplastic drug.

Efficacy and tolerability of nortriptyline in the management of neuropathic corneal pain

PURPOSE

Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is a recently acknowledged disease entity. However, there is no consensus in potential treatment strategies, particularly in patients with a centralized component of pain. This study aims to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the tricyclic antidepressant, nortriptyline, among NCP patients.

METHODS

Patients with clinically diagnosed NCP and a centralized component of pain, treated with oral nortriptyline, who had recorded pain scores as assessed by the ocular pain assessment survey at the first and last visit were included. Patients were excluded if they had any other ocular pathology that might result in pain or had less than 4 weeks of nortriptyline use. Demographics, time between visits, concomitant medications, systemic and ocular co-morbidities, duration of NCP, side effects, ocular pain scores, and quality of life (QoL) assessment were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with a mean age of 53.1 ± 18.5 were included. Male to female ratio was 8:22. Mean ocular pain in the past 24 h improved from 5.7 ± 2.1 to 3.6 ± 2.1 after 10.5 ± 9.1 months (p < 0.0001). Twelve patients (40.0%) had equal to or more than 50% improvement, 6 patients (20.0%) had 30-49% improvement, 6 patients (20.0%) had 1-29% improvement, 4 patients (13.3%) did not improve, while 2 patients (6.7%) reported increase in pain levels. Mean QoL improved from 6.0 ± 2.5 to 4.3 ± 2.4 (p = 0.019). Eight patients (26.6%) discontinued treatment due to persistent side effects, despite improvement by 22.4%.

CONCLUSION

Nortriptyline was effective in relieving NCP symptoms in patients with centralized component and insufficient response to other systemic and topical therapies who tolerated the drug for at least 4 weeks. Nortriptyline may be used in the management of patients with NCP.

Beyond pain: can antidepressants improve depressive symptoms and quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neuropathic pain can be a predictor of severe emotional distress, up to full-blown depressive states. In these patients, it is important to move beyond the sole treatment of pain, to recognize depressive symptoms, and to ultimately improve the quality of life. We systematically searched for published and unpublished clinical trials assessing the efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants vs placebo on depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain, and pooled data in a meta-analysis. A total of 37 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and 32 provided data for meta-analysis. Antidepressants were more effective than placebo in improving depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference -0.11; 95% confidence interval -0.20 to -0.02), although the magnitude of effect was small, with a number needed to treat of 24. No significant difference emerged between antidepressants and placebo in reducing anxiety. Quality of life seemed improved in patients on antidepressants, as did pain. Acceptability and tolerability were higher in patients on placebo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis specifically focusing on the effect of antidepressants on psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain. Our findings suggest that despite their potential benefit in patients with neuropathic pain, antidepressants should be prescribed with particular care because they might be less tolerable in such a fragile population. However, our findings warrant further research to explore how a correct use of antidepressants can help patients to cope with the consequences of neuropathic pain on their psychosocial health and quality of life.

Aripiprazole prevents from development of vincristine-induced neuropathic nociception by limiting neural NOS overexpression and NF-kB hyperactivation

PURPOSE

Increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and NF-kB activation have been shown as critical players in the pathophysiology of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy. Consistently, neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors alleviated the neuropathic pain. Previous studies demonstrated that aripiprazole is capable of modulating NO synthesis and also has been reported its modulatory effect on NF-kB activity.

METHODS

Aripiprazole was administered daily to the male Wistar rats at the same time with establishing neuropathic model by I.P. injection of vincristine every 2 days, over 2 weeks. Efficacy of aripiprazole in suppressing the development of neuropathy was evaluated by assessing changes in body weight, mechanical threshold, withdrawal latency, sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and compound motor action potential (CMAP) characteristics. Expression of nNOS and NF-kB activation were evaluated by western blotting RESULTS: Rats receiving aripiprazole during neuropathy establishment period demonstrated a normal weight gain pattern, a significantly higher mechanical withdrawal threshold, and SNCV compared to vincristine-treated group. Furthermore, the amplitude and area of CMAP were significantly higher in aripiprazole group. Western blotting demonstrated a significantly reduced expression of nNOS and NF-kB activation in dorsal root ganglia of aripiprazole co-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, aripiprazole effectively prevents from vincristine-induced neuropathy by limiting nNOS overexpression and NF-kB hyperactivation.

Management of cisplatin-associated toxicities in bladder cancer patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cisplatin remains the treatment cornerstone for bladder cancer, either in neoadjuvant or in metastatic (cisplatin-gemcitabine or dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, and doxorubicin). Timely and adequate management of cisplatin's adverse events is important in order to avoid dose reductions, treatment delays, or cessation. Over the last years, several randomized studies and updated guidelines have been published on this subject.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence, physiopathology, risk factors, preventive treatment, and optimal management of such complications will be presented, with special focus on cisplatin-associated nausea and vomiting, acute kidney injury (AKI), hypomagnesemia, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity.

SUMMARY

Optimal prevention of cisplatin-associated nausea and vomiting requires an aggressive approach with the use of a four-drug prophylactic regimen (NK1 receptor antagonist, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, dexamethasone, olanzapine). The use of intensive hydration before and after cisplatin infusion has been the mainstay of AKI prevention. The management of hypomagnesemia and neurotoxicity remains largely symptomatic. In an adult population, no therapy has yet demonstrated benefits in the prevention or treatment of platinum-related ototoxicity.

Metformin protects from oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy in rats

Oxaliplatin is a commonly used drug to treat cancer, extending the rate of disease-free survival by 20% in colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin induces a disabling form of neuropathy resulting in more than 60% of patients having to reduce or discontinue oxaliplatin, negatively impacting their chance of survival. Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies are accompanied by degeneration of sensory fibers in the epidermis and hyperexcitability of sensory neurons. These morphological and functional changes have been associated with sensory symptoms such as dysesthesia, paresthesia and mechanical and cold allodynia. Various strategies have been proposed to prevent or treat oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies without success. The anti-diabetic drug metformin has been recently shown to exert neuroprotection in other chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, so here we aimed to test if metformin can prevent the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in a rat model of this condition. Animals treated with oxaliplatin developed significant intraepidermal fiber degeneration, a mild gliosis in the spinal cord, and mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. The concomitant use of metformin prevented degeneration of intraepidermal fibers, gliosis, and the altered sensitivity. Our evidence further supports metformin as a new approach to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy with a potential important clinical impact.

Meet the expert: How I treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent, often irreversible and disabling adverse effect of many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Older patients are at particular risk of developing CIPN due to comorbid conditions affecting the health of peripheral nerves. Symptoms of CIPN include paresthesias, dysesthesias, sensory loss, motor weakness, dysautonomia, and falls. Pharmacologic management of CIPN involves use of medications including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical treatments for modulation of neuropathic pain. These medications should be used and monitored carefully in older patients as they may increase the risk of confusion, falls, and drug-drug interactions. Patients with CIPN are at an increased risk of falls and should be considered for supportive care interventions including physical and occupational therapy, assistive devices, and safety evaluations. Surveillance of CIPN during and following treatment is essential. The development of neuropathic symptoms may require dose reduction, drug holiday, or transitioning to another chemotherapeutic agent. Symptoms of CIPN typically improve following exposure to neurotoxic therapy, although in older adults the rate of improvement may be slow, and recovery is often incomplete. Early involvement of a neurologist should be considered in patients with atypical, progressive, motor- or autonomic- predominant presentations of neuropathy. Patients with refractory neuropathic pain or those who cannot tolerate standard symptomatic treatment should be referred to a pain specialist or palliative care.

Bortezomib and other proteosome inhibitors-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), especially bortezomib (BTZ), have come to the forefront over the last years because of their unprecedented efficacy mainly against multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy (PN) secondary to treatment of MM with PIs has emerged as a clinically relevant complication, which negatively impacts the quality of life of MM survivors. Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a dose-limiting toxicity, which develops in 30% to 60% of patients during treatment. Typically, BIPN is a length-dependent sensory axonopathy characterized by numbness, tingling, and severe neuropathic pain in stocking and glove distribution. BIPN mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Experimental studies suggest that aggresome formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, myotoxicity, microtubule stabilization, inflammatory response, and DNA damage could contribute to this neurotoxicity. A new generation of structurally distinct PIs has been developed, being increasingly used in clinical settings. Carfilzomib exhibits a much lower neurotoxicity profile, with a significantly lower incidence of PN compared to BTZ. Pre-existing PN increases the risk of developing BIPN. Besides, BIPN is related to dose, schedule and mode of administration and modifications of these factors have lowered the incidence of PN. However, to date there is no cure for PIs-induced PN (PIIPN), and a careful neurological monitoring and dose adjustment is a key strategy for preserving quality of life. This review critically looks at the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, both clinical and pharmacogenetics, clinical phenotype and management of PIIPN. We also make recommendations for further elucidating the whole clinical spectrum of PIIPN.

Comparison of Efficacy of Nortriptyline Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Painful Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes

Background and aims: Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and is difficult to treat. Existing treatments are often inadequate at controlling pain and limited by side-effects and drug tolerance. This study assessed the efficacy of nortriptyline versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in patients with DPNP.

Material and method: This is a randomized clinical trial study conducted on 39 patients with DPNP referring to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz in 2017. Patients were randomly treated with TENS (18 sessions, each session 30 minutes; n=20) or nortriptyline (25 to 75 mg, once daily; n=19) for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated for side effects and pain relief using visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: There was a significant improvement in pain with both treatments compared with baseline (p˂0.001). The patients in nortriptyline group experienced more pain relief (7.21±1.51 to 0.84±1.34) than the TENS group (7.6±1.47 to 2.75 ±2.43) (P=0.001). The 50% pain relief was observed in 14 patients (73%) in nortriptyline group, 6 patients (30%) in TENS group. Moreover, the side effects were seen in 15% of TENS and 55% of patients in nortriptyline groups (P=0.019).

Conclusion: Both TENS and nortriptyline were effective and safe in the management of DPNP. But nortriptyline showed a better performance on pain relief.

Effect of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for patients with chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To compare the efficacy of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) METHODS:: Two authors independently searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochran Library, and Web of Science to identify and review articles published from January 1998 until December 2018 according to selection criteria. Outcomes were expressed as mean difference, the pooled odds ratio, or relative risk in a meta-analysis model.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis: 6 randomized-controlled studies and 4 observational studies. Meta-analysis showed that CIPN was improved after treatment with SNRI (standardized mean difference = 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-3.49; I = 93% in 3 randomized controlled studies). Somnolence and insomnia occurred in <15% of patients. Incidence of somnolence was lower than with pregabalin treatment, and insomnia was comparable to that in expectant management or pregabalin treatment. Incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher than in expectant management, but no significant difference was found when compared to expectant management.

CONCLUSION

From the several available studies suitable for indirect comparison, SNRI shows excellent efficacy and tolerability to CIPN. SNRI could provide an important treatment option for CIPN.

Opportunities for cannabis in supportive care in cancer

Cannabis has the potential to modulate some of the most common and debilitating symptoms of cancer and its treatments, including nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain. However, the dearth of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis in treating these symptoms in patients with cancer poses a challenge to clinicians in discussing this option with their patients. A review was performed using keywords related to cannabis and important symptoms of cancer and its treatments. Literature was qualitatively reviewed from preclinical models to clinical trials in the fields of cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others, to prudently inform the use of cannabis in supportive and palliative care in cancer. There is a reasonable amount of evidence to consider cannabis for nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain as a supplement to first-line treatments. There is promising evidence to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal distress, and sleep disorders, but the literature is thus far too limited to recommend cannabis for these symptoms. Scant, yet more controversial, evidence exists in regard to cannabis for cancer- and treatment-related cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Adverse effects of cannabis are documented but tend to be mild. Cannabis has multifaceted potential bioactive benefits that appear to outweigh its risks in many situations. Further research is required to elucidate its mechanisms of action and efficacy and to optimize cannabis preparations and doses for specific populations affected by cancer.

Rational treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with capsaicin 8% patch: from pain relief towards disease modification

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) with associated chronic pain is a common and disabling condition. Current treatments for neuropathic pain in CIPN are largely ineffective, with unfavorable side-effects. The capsaicin 8% patch (capsaicin 179 mg patch) is approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain: a single topical cutaneous application can produce effective pain relief for up to 12 weeks. We assessed the therapeutic potential of capsaicin 8% patch in patients with painful CIPN, and its mechanism of action.

Patients and methods

16 patients with chronic painful CIPN (mean duration 2.5 years), in remission for cancer and not receiving chemotherapy, were treated with 30 min application of capsaicin 8% patch to the feet. Symptoms were monitored using the 11-point numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and questionnaires. Investigations were performed at baseline and three months after patch application, including skin biopsies with a range of markers, and quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Results

Patients reported significant reduction in spontaneous pain (mean NPRS: −1.27; 95% CI 0.2409 to 2.301; p=0.02), touch-evoked pain (−1.823; p=0.03) and cold-evoked pain (−1.456; p=0.03). Short-Form McGill questionnaire showed a reduction in neuropathic (p=0.0007), continuous (p=0.01) and overall pain (p=0.004); Patient Global Impression of Change showed improvement (p=0.001). Baseline skin biopsies showed loss of intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENF), and also of sub-epidermal nerve fibers quantified by image analysis. Post-patch application skin biopsies showed a significant increase towards normalization of intra-epidermal and sub-epidermal nerve fibers (for IENF: structural marker PGP9.5, p=0.009; heat receptor TRPV1, p=0.027; regenerating nerve marker GAP43, p=0.04). Epidermal levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Langerhans cells were also normalized. QST remained unchanged and there were no systemic side-effects, as in previous studies.

Conclusion

Capsaicin 8% patch provides significant pain relief in CIPN, and may lead to regeneration and restoration of sensory nerve fibers ie, disease modification.

Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised controlled pilot study

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause loss of independence and poor quality of life (QoL) due to severe disabilities, but in spite of its importance there is still a lack of data for the management of CIPN. Acupuncture has showed promising results and may be a cost-effective option for the treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on neurological symptoms of CIPN and QoL of oncological patients.

METHODS

We performed a clinical, single-centre, randomised and controlled pilot study that involved 33 adult patients with cancer and CIPN randomised into two groups (control and acupuncture treated with 10 sessions, two times per week). Both groups were subjected to a complete physical examination and clinical assessment with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) Scale V.2.0, FIM Scale, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30) Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for pain before and 5 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

There were no adverse events, and we found statistical differences in groups in physical (p=0.03) and function (p=0.04) domains of EORTC QLQ-C30 when comparing control and acupuncture groups. About NCI CTCAE Scale and neuropathy sensory symptoms, we found better results in acupuncture group, comparing pretreatment and post-treatment analyses (p=0.01). In control group, we have no differences after 5 weeks (p=0.11).

CONCLUSION

Although these results suggest an interesting effect of acupuncture on this patient population, the clinical significance has remained unclear. Given the tendency towards benefit and the lack of adverse effects, the authors recommend a follow-up acupuncture trial using higher follow-up time and better sample size.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02309164.

Scrambler therapy for chemotherapy neuropathy: a randomized phase II pilot trial

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prominent clinical problem, with limited effective therapies. Preliminary non-randomized clinical trial data support that Scrambler Therapy is helpful in this situation.

METHODS

Patients were eligible if they had CIPN symptoms for at least 3 months and CIPN-related tingling or pain at least 4/10 in severity during the week prior to registration. They were randomized to receive Scrambler Therapy versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 2 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were utilized to measure efficacy and toxicity daily for 2 weeks during therapy and then weekly for 8 additional weeks.

RESULTS

This study accrued 50 patients, 25 to each of the 2 study arms; 46 patients were evaluable. There were twice as many Scrambler-treated patients who had at least a 50% documented improvement during the 2 treatment weeks, from their baseline pain, tingling, and numbness scores, when compared with the TENS-treated patients (from 36 to 56% compared with 16-28% for each symptom). Global Impression of Change scores for "neuropathy symptoms," pain, and quality of life were similarly improved during the treatment weeks. Patients in the Scrambler group were more likely than those in the TENS group to recommend their treatment to other patients, during both the 2-week treatment period and the 8-week follow-up period (p < 0.0001). Minimal toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this pilot trial were positive, supporting the conduct of further investigations regarding the use of Scrambler Therapy for treating CIPN.

Prevention and Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Therapies Based on CIPN Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a progressive, enduring, and often irreversible adverse effect of many antineoplastic agents, among which sensory abnormities are common and the most suffering issues. The pathogenesis of CIPN has not been completely understood, and strategies for CIPN prevention and treatment are still open problems for medicine.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this paper is to review the mechanism-based therapies against sensory abnormities in CIPN.

METHODS

This is a literature review to describe the uncovered mechanisms underlying CIPN and to provide a summary of mechanism-based therapies for CIPN based on the evidence from both animal and clinical studies.

RESULTS

An abundance of compounds has been developed to prevent or treat CIPN by blocking ion channels, targeting inflammatory cytokines and combating oxidative stress. Agents such as glutathione, mangafodipir and duloxetine are expected to be effective for CIPN intervention, while Ca/Mg infusion and venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants, and gabapentin display limited efficacy for preventing and alleviating CIPN. And the utilization of erythropoietin, menthol and amifostine needs to be cautious regarding to their side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple drugs have been used and studied for decades, their effect against CIPN are still controversial according to different antineoplastic agents due to the diverse manifestations among different antineoplastic agents and complex drug-drug interactions. In addition, novel therapies or drugs that have proven to be effective in animals require further investigation, and it will take time to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Mechanisms, Predictors, and Challenges in Assessing and Managing Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the known predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors and the challenges in assessing and managing it.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO.

CONCLUSION

The research on chronic painful CIPN is limited. Additional research is needed to identify the predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful CIPN to inform the development of assessment tools and management options for this painful and possibly debilitating condition.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Recognition of the predictors of chronic painful CIPN and proactive CIPN assessment and palliative management are important steps in reducing its impact on physical function and quality of life.

Characterization of Internal Validity Threats to Phase III Clinical Trials for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Management: A Systematic Review

Objective:

The recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Clinical Guidelines for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) management (48 Phase III trials reviewed) only recommend duloxetine. However, before concluding that a CIPN intervention is ineffective, scientists and clinicians should consider the risk of Type II error in Phase III studies. The purpose of this systematic review was to characterize internal threats to validity in Phase III CIPN management trials.

Methods:

The PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE^®, and Scopus databases were searched for Phase III clinical trials testing interventions for CIPN management between 1990 and 2018. The key search terms were neoplasms, cancer, neuropathy, and CIPN. Two independent researchers evaluated 24 studies, using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Randomized Control Trials developed by the authors specific for CIPN intervention trials.

Results:

Two studies exhibited minimal or no design flaws. 22/24 Phase III clinical trials for CIPN have two or greater design flaws due to sample heterogeneity, malapropos mechanism of action, malapropos intervention dose, malapropos timing of the outcome measurement, confounding variables, lack of a valid and reliable measurement, and suboptimal statistical validity.

Conclusions:

Numerous CIPN interventions have been declared ineffective based on the results of Phase III trials. However, internal validity threats to numerous studies may have resulted in Type II error and subsequent dismissal of a potentially effective intervention. Patients may benefit from rigorous retesting of several agents (e.g., alpha-lipoic acid, duloxetine, gabapentin, glutathione, goshajinkigan, lamotrigine, nortriptyline, venlafaxine, and Vitamin E) to expand and validate the evidence regarding ASCO's recommendations for CIPN management.