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Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
Untitled Document
Name of the Trial
Phase III Randomized Study of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Preventing Platinum-Induced
Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients Receiving a Cisplatin- or Oxaliplatin-Containing
Chemotherapy Regimen (MDA-CCC-0327). See the protocol
summary.
Principal Investigator
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Dr. Ying Guo
Principal Investigator |
Dr. Ying Guo, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Why This Trial Is Important
Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by sensations of pain, tingling, burning,
numbness, or weakness that usually begin in the hands or feet. It can be caused
by certain illnesses, for example, diabetes. It can also be a side effect of
treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can be either acute or chronic.
Acute peripheral neuropathy may begin during or shortly after administration
of a platinum-containing drug and usually goes away on its own after several
days. Chronic peripheral neuropathy may arise weeks or months after chemotherapy
treatment and may be very difficult to treat; in some patients, it may be irreversible.
In this trial, researchers are testing the ability of alpha-lipoic acid to
prevent peripheral neuropathy caused by the platinum-containing drugs cisplatin
and oxaliplatin. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant produced naturally
by the
body; it can also be found in some foods and as a nutritional supplement. In
diabetes patients, it has been shown to relieve symptoms of neuropathy.
"Peripheral neuropathy is a potentially disabling condition that affects
many cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy," said Dr.
Guo. "We hope that alpha-lipoic acid will help prevent this condition in
patients being treated with cisplatin or oxaliplatin."
Patients will be randomly assigned to receive oral alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo
three times a day for at least 24 weeks.
For More Information
See the lists of entry criteria and trial contact information or call the
NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) for more information. The toll-free call is confidential.
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