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Published on: April 26, 2012
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B Vitamin Complex and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Janet Schloss1, Maree Colosimo2
1Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. janet.schloss@endeavour.edu.au.
Current Oncology Reports
|October 7, 2017
Summary
B vitamins show potential in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Further research is needed to confirm their protective and treatment roles for this common chemotherapy side effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant challenge for cancer patients.
- Current protective and treatment strategies for CIPN remain inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the role of B vitamins in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
- To evaluate the potential of B vitamins as a preventive or therapeutic agent against CIPN.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted, evaluating 105 journal articles.
- Nine relevant manuscripts, including in vitro, animal, and human studies, were selected for this mini-review.
Main Results:
- An in vitro study examined vitamin B6 and oxaliplatin safety, not directly related to CIPN.
- An animal study demonstrated positive effects of vitamin B3 during paclitaxel administration.
- Human studies utilized vitamin B complex, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6, showing varied outcomes.
Conclusions:
- B vitamins have demonstrated a potential role in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
- Further rigorous studies are essential to establish definitive protective and treatment guidelines for B vitamins in CIPN management.
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