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Chemotherapy & Neuropathy Prevention

While chemotherapy is often crucial in the treatment of cancer, it is not without side effects and risks. Besides hair loss, nausea and fatigue, many chemotherapy drugs can lead to damage in the peripheral nerves. With chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), you may begin to experience pain, numbness, weakness and other issues due to nerve damage. However, some measures are available to help prevent neuropathy.

  1. Supplements

    • Over-the-counter supplements may help prevent potential nerve damage caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Vitamin E appears to be most effective, since it works as an antioxidant in your system. By taking a vitamin E supplement, you can protect your nerve endings from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and paclitaxel. According to a study reported by the American Academy of Neurology, a 600-mg dose of vitamin E taken daily during chemotherapy and three months following treatment reduced occurrence of CIPN. Only 25 percent of participants taking vitamin E experienced nerve damage compared with 73 percent of those without vitamin E supplementation.

      You may also respond well to amino acids, such as carnitine or glutamine, as well as a protein supplement. For the best results, take supplements daily for duration of your treatment. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage for your height, weight and health.

      A combination of calcium and magnesium may also be helpful in combating some cases of peripheral neuropathy. But instead of an oral supplement, these nutrients are slowly administered intravenously before and after treatment by a nurse or other medical professional. According to the American Cancer Society, a study of patients using oxaliplatin in the treatment of cancer demonstrated less cases of CIPN when given an intravenous combination of calcium and magnesium than those who did not receive this treatment.

    Medications

    • Another potential way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is through prescription medications. The anticonvulsant drug class has shown the most benefits to date. This type of medication has not only proven effective on nerve cell activity associated with seizures, but it also has reduced the chance of nerve cell damage during a seizure. Therefore, it may prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Discuss with your oncologist whether an anticonvulsant may work for you.

    Chemotherapy

    • How chemotherapy is administered can also effectively minimize chances of peripheral neuropathy. Most techniques modify the length of time the drugs are given, so talk to your oncologist prior to treatment. Sometimes, extending the length of a session from one hour to six hours can prevent nerve damage. You will receive the same dose, just over a longer period of time. If this is not an option, it may be possible to break up the dose into more than one session. Or your dose may be administered through an IV drip over the course of a number of days.

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