A pilot study on the relation between cisplatin neuropathy and vitamin E.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cisplatin chemotherapy is associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy, a significant non-hematological side effect.
• Neuropathological similarities exist between cisplatin-induced neuropathy and vitamin E deficiency syndromes.
• This prompted an investigation into the link between cisplatin neuropathy and plasma vitamin E levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy and plasma vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels.
• To determine if cisplatin treatment affects vitamin E levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Plasma vitamin E levels were measured in two groups of patients.
• Group 1: 5 patients with severe neurotoxicity post-cisplatin treatment.
• Group 2: 5 patients, vitamin E levels measured before and after 2 or 4 cisplatin cycles.

Main Results:

• Patients with severe cisplatin neuropathy (Group 1) exhibited low plasma vitamin E levels.
• Patients undergoing cisplatin treatment (Group 2) showed significantly decreased vitamin E levels after chemotherapy compared to baseline.
• These findings suggest cisplatin treatment may lead to inadequate vitamin E levels.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary data indicate that reduced vitamin E levels due to cisplatin treatment may contribute to free-radical-induced peripheral nerve damage.
• Vitamin E, known for its lack of toxicity, warrants further investigation for a potential neuroprotective role in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy.