Page 45 - ATHM26_4

REVIEW ARTICLE

A Narrative Review of Complementary Nutritional

Supplements for Chemotherapy-induced

Peripheral Neuropathy

Yan-Wen Liu, MD; Chun-Ting Liu, MD; Yu-Li Su, MD; Ming-Yen Tsai, MD, PhD

ABSTRACT
Background • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral various nutrients remains inconsistent, and limited
neuropathy (CIPN) is a common troublesome side effect evidence of effective ones for treating CIPN is available.
and affects long-term activities of daily living. This However, glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids present
neuropathic disorder is still difficult to treat with current potential as treatment options for CIPN. The evidence on
clinical treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin E and vitamin B complex is inconclusive, and
and offer an updated perspective of complementary some forms of vitamin B, such as B or B , await
12
6
therapies for CIPN. confirmation of their potential to offer protection from
Methods • This review included current databases, CIPN. Less robust evidence was found for nutrients such
including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, as acetyl-L-carnitine, α-Lipoic acid, glutathione, and
Google Scholar, and Ovid Medline, published up to May Ca /Mg for CIPN.
2+
2+
2019 in the English language, to summarize the role of Conclusion • Nutritional therapists seem to recommend
nutrient supplements in CIPN, based on evidence from nutrient supplements as potential anti-inflammatory and
both animal and clinical studies. neuroprotective agents for both the prevention and
Results • A total of 58 studies were included in this review. management of CIPN. An understanding of this evolving
There were 19 preclinical studies that reported mechanisms literature is useful in exploring these therapies with
of effects and 31 clinical studies corroborated preclinical patients who are considering using them. However, their
findings, including 22 randomized controlled trials and effects against CIPN are still controversial due to the
3085 patients with CIPN. Interventions included vitamin undetermined neuropathic mechanisms of different
E, vitamin B complex, glutamine, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha antineoplastic agents and complex drug interactions.
lipoic acid, glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium/ Further research on these agents is warranted. (Altern
magnesium (Ca /Mg ). The administration of Ther Health Med. 2020;26(4):43-49).
2+
2+

Yan-Wen Liu, MD, is a doctor in the Department of Chinese Chinese Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine
Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung,
Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Taiwan. Chun-Ting Liu, MD, is a doctor in the Department
of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Corresponding author: Ming-Yen Tsai, MD, PhD
Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, E-mail address: missuriae0116@gmail.com
Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Yu-Li Su, MD, is a deputy director in
the Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine,
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang INTRODUCTION
Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are reported to cause
Ming-Yen Tsai, MD, PhD, is clinical director in the neurotoxicity and can cause chemotherapy-induced
Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These agents have effects on
1
Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of sensory nerves and cause substantial pain, daily living
Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and is a medical consultant dysfunction, and finally noncompliance with treatment.
2
at the Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of This adverse effect (AE) damages peripheral nerves and can

Liu—Complementary Nutritional Supplements and Chemotherapy-induced ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, JUL/AUG 2020 VOL. 26 NO. 4 43