A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy symptoms with pregabalin.

Abstract

553 Background: Sensorial peripheral neuropathy (PNP) is a major limitation for pts receiving oxaliplatin-based ctx for CRC. Pregabalin is widely used for treatment of oxaliplatin-induced PNP. We evaluated the efficacy of pregabalin vs. placebo for the prevention of paresthesia from the onset of oxaliplatin-based ctx over each cycle. Methods: Rd, db, placebo-controlled study in adult CRC pts with ECOG 0-2 to undergo a new oxaliplatin/5-FU/FA-based ctx. Pts were excluded if they had neuropathic pain or other of painful paresthesia prior to baseline. Paresthesia, dysesthesia, and pain were rated on a numerical scale (NRS 0-10) every day. Primary endpoint was the time of onset of persistent symptoms (NRS >4). Results: Of the 69 screened pts, 64 were randomized and 61 received study medication (32 pregabalin vs. 29 placebo). Pts were balanced in both arms regarding age, sex, stage, and ctx. There were no differences between both treatment groups for all PNP parameters at any cycle. One pt in both arms developed paresthesia (5.3%) after 9 cycles of ctx, 1 pt had persistent pain (placebo arm). During the follow-up period persistent paresthesic, dysesthesic, and persistent pain developed in 2 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, and 0 vs. 2 pts, respectively. The study was terminated after a blinded data review found that there were very few events of persistent symptoms, which was then confirmed an interim analysis. Nausea and anorexia were the most frequently reported AE in both groups. Conclusions: The results of this study, which was terminated early at interim analysis, is that too few patients developed persistent symptoms to allow any meaningful treatment difference for prevention of neuropathic pain related to oxaliplatin by pregabalin. There remains an unmet need for oxaliplatin-induced PNP with new trial design issues in this field urgently needed. No significant financial relationships to disclose.