Peripheral Neuropathy
Preventative Strategies

You may be able to prevent some of the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Your healthcare provider may give medications along with your chemotherapy, which might decrease the amount neuropathy you may develop.

Glutamine is an amino acid with antioxidant properties that may protect against the neurotoxicity (damage to the nerves). Glutamine may protect the nerves from damage caused by vincristine, cisplatin, and paclitaxel⁶, ¹⁶

Glutathione is a result of glutamine metabolism and may protect the nerves. Some research has suggested that intravenous (given through a vein) glutathione may reduce the neurological toxicity of cisplatin and oxaliplatin¹⁶ Calcium gluconate and magnesium chloride infusions before receiving oxaliplatin, may help reduce the damage to nerves caused by this chemotherapy.

Amifostine is a chemoprotective agent that sometimes is given prior to receiving certain chemotherapy drug, such as cisplatin and paclitaxel. A chemoprotective agent is a substance that may protect nerves from damage due to the chemotherapy drug. However, there is no strong research to support the use of this drug and the drug does have some side effects such as nausea and vomiting and low blood pressure.

Vitamin E may have some ability to protect the nerves from damage caused by cisplatin and paclitaxel.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has shown to protect nerves from the damage caused by oxaliplatin.

Vitamins B1, B12, and folic acid may be helpful in managing peripheral neuropathy due to problems with nutrition.

The results from research studies regarding the use of these drugs used to prevent peripheral neuropathy are not consistent. These drugs may help some patients, but not others. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting ANY over the counter or other medication. Some medications may interact with your treatment, or with the drugs that you are taking to improve your symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These interactions could be dangerous to you. Because of this, you should never take any medications, herbal remedies, or other over the counter substances without discussing their use with your healthcare provider first.

It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Early notification will allow your healthcare provider to determine the best plan of care to treat your cancer and manage the neuropathy and its challenges.