Management of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy in adults with cancer: a review

Abstract

Aim: To identify which of the examined agents or modalities were effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct and Ovid databases were used to search keywords. The literature search identified 59 potentially relevant studies; after removing duplicates and reviewing titles a total of 26 articles were examined. In the end, a total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Findings: The preliminary data for using lafutidine, acupuncture and sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture indicate that they may be useful in CIPN management. The use of duloxetine was effective and supported as a management of CIPN; likewise the use of scrambler therapy significantly decreased CIPN pain. However, the use of electroacupuncture and topical amitriptyline and ketamine was not supported.

Conclusion: The use of duloxetine was effective in CIPN management. Further studies with larger sample size are needed.

Keywords: Antineoplastic drugs; Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; Management; Sensory neurotoxicity.