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Integrative Approaches to Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Integrative Care (C Lammersfeld, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of cancer treatment, with conventional treatment limited in its ability for prevention or treatment of symptoms. This review addresses the research assessing the effectiveness and safety of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) in preventing and treating CIPN-related symptoms.

Recent Findings

The CIM modalities acupuncture, classical massage, omega-3 fatty acids, and the Japanese Kampo medicine Goshanjishen may be of benefit in preventing or treating CIPN. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), glutamine/glutamate, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) are not, with ALCAR increasing symptom severity and vitamin E the risk for developing prostate cancer.

Summary

CIM therapies with a potential for preventing or treating CIPN-related symptoms should be further investigated. CIM is considered safe when provided within an integrative oncology setting, under the guidance and supervision of an integrative physician.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St., PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel

    Noah Samuels

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Noah Samuels & Eran Ben-Arye

  3. Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Lin, Zebulun and Carmel Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Haifa, Israel

    Eran Ben-Arye

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Correspondence to Noah Samuels.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Integrative Care

Case Vignette

A 75-year-old male patient with a 3-year history of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach was referred to our integrative oncology service by his oncologist for treatment of persistent and severe chemotherapy-related symptoms. The integrative oncology service is part of the supportive and palliative care unit in the hospital’s outpatient oncology department, providing patients with therapies from the field of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) which have been shown to be safe and effective. The patient’s oncology treatment began with capecitabine and oxaliplatin(XELOX protocol) which was then changed to fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), with docetaxel and Herceptin. He developed chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), with a “tingling” sensation in both hands and feet which made it difficult to walk without the help of a cane. He also reported nausea and epigastric pain between treatments, constipation, and a severe fatigue. After a series of 8 weekly treatments with acupuncture and reflexology, he felt more energetic, and the “tingling” sensation in his hands and feet was significantly reduced, allowing him to walk more independently.

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Samuels, N., Ben-Arye, E. Integrative Approaches to Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Curr Oncol Rep 22, 23 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-020-0891-2

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