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Updated: May 24, 2025
07:42
Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
18.1K
Is Functional Vitamin B12 Deficiency a Risk Factor for the Development of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Samah E El-Najjar1, Ihab A Naser1, Kanan M Al-Wahidi2
1Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza (AUG), Gaza City, Gaza Strip 00970, State of Palestine.
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|March 1, 2025
Summary
Functional vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant risk factor for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Increased methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels strongly predict CIPN development in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.
- Identifying predictors of CIPN is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CIPN and functional vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To explore other nutritional and non-nutritional factors influencing CIPN.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 64 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Assessed vitamin B12 status (serum B12, MMA, Hcy) and CIPN (PNQ) at baseline and post-chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in serum vitamin B12 and increase in MMA and Hcy post-chemotherapy (P < 0.001).
- Elevated MMA levels significantly predicted increased CIPN scores (P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Functional vitamin B12 deficiency, indicated by high MMA, is a distinct risk factor for CIPN.
- Further research is needed on vitamin B12 therapy for CIPN prevention/management.
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