Cures for CIPN

CIPN is the acronym for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a chemotherapy-related disorder that causes damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system transmits sensory information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, particularly the hands and feet, and to a lesser part, the bladder and bowel. While the Cancer Supportive Care Program, an online network, suggests that no effective treatments have been authenticated that completely cure or reverse this type of damage, in mild cases, the peripheral nerves are able to repair themselves. However, in severe cases, symptoms can persist indefinitely. While the general response of the medical community is to treat the symptoms, there have been promising therapies that prevent and reverse some of CIPN's symptoms.

Symptoms of CIPN

• Symptoms of CIPN relate to the nerves affected by chemotherapy. While motor nerves are more protected by the central nervous system, sensory nerves are more vulnerable to chemotherapy's affects. Patients can experience a wide range of symptoms including numbness, tingling or burning sensations. In addition, ordinary activities, like touching a cold surface, might become painful, and the sufferer might have a diminished sense of movement or reflex. The disorder generally begins in the fingertips and toes, may progress into a "stocking and glove" pattern and can lead to weakness in the extremities and limbs. The severity of the CIPN is variable and depends upon dose and prior conditions; but onset may begin as early as the first dose of chemotherapy.

Symptomatic Treatment

• The primary goal of CIPN treatment is to reduce pain and increase physical mobility, especially if chemotherapy is required. If left untreated, symptoms could cause an interruption in treatment. A physician might order occupational or physical therapy to improve gross and fine motor skills. In addition, relaxation therapy, accupuncture, meditation or antidepressants to help the patient cope better with life changes might be prescribed. The Calmare Pain Management Therapy is a relatively new treatment developed by Calmarett. The device, a biophysical rather than invasive biochemical tool, simultaneously treats multiple pain sensors by sending a no-pain signal. This electrical impulse overrides pain signals and becomes the dominant signal received by the brain. By fooling the brain, it provides relief to the patient.

Preventative Measures

• According to Ellen M. Lavoie Smith, PhD, APRN-BC, AOCN and Assistant Professor at University of Michigan's School of Nursing, increasing attention should be paid to deteriorating CIPN-associated symptoms in cancer patients and how they affect quality of life. Prevention seems to be the best approach to improving a CIPN patient's quality of life. Smith suggests that pretreatment assessments should be conducted before a patient begins a course of chemotherapy. Some pre-existing health and life conditions like diabetes, certain nutritional deficiencies and alcoholism may predispose cancer patients to severe bouts of CIPN. In addition, teaching patients to become aware of their own CIPN symptoms, what situations or stimuli exacerbate their symptoms and how to respond to worsening symptoms makes the patient a driver in her own therapy, which alleviates stress and anxiety.

Vitamin Treatments

• There is some evidence from pilot studies that Vitamin E supplementation helps to prevent or lessen the side effects of CIPN. As of October 2010, a larger clinical trial is being conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group analyzing the relationship between Vitamin E and CIPN.

Holistic Treatments

• Studies at the National College of Natural Medicine suggest that a holistic approach to CIPN can successfully reverse and prevent symptoms. In their paper, "Successful Treatment of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy with Naturopathy," Love and Weizer studied the effects diet, supplements, exercise, hydrotherapy and Neurosol on cancer patients with CIPN. Neurosol, an antioxidant-rich nutritional supplement manufactured by Metagenics, is designed to support peripheral nerve function. In their studies, patients were put on whole diets with probiotic organic yogurt and kefir for diarrhea control and weight stabilization. Zinc gluconate was added to restore the patient's sense of taste, and Neurosol was administered at the dose of one softgel twice a day throughout the course of chemotherapy. At-home hydrotherapy included the wearing of warming gloves and socks to increase circulation. Results showed a reversal of CIPN symptoms and dramatic improvement in the patients' quality of life.