Abstract
Objectives: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) occurs as a common Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) of anti-cancer drugs. The prevalence varies from 10% to 100%. To date, there is no standard effective treatment protocol for this condition. However, the neuro-modulators such as gabapentin and pregabalin are increasingly being used to treat CIPN. With this background this study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of gabapentin and pregabalin in CIPN.
 Methods: This study was conducted in the department of medical oncology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru. It was initiated after the approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. After obtaining written informed consent, the participants were randomized into two groups. Group A received gabapentin, 300 mg orally and Group B received pregabalin 75 mg orally; twice daily for 8 weeks. They were followed up at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The intensity and quality of pain were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and pain quality assessment scale (PQAS). Safety was assessed by reported ADR. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. p=0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant.
 Results: Reduction in VAS and PQAS scores at 8 weeks was statistically significant in each group (p<0.0001). The ADR common to both the groups was drowsiness and sedation. The prevalence of ADR was more in the gabapentin group.
 Conclusion: Both gabapentin and pregabalin have similar clinical efficacy in the treatment of CIPN. The prevalence of ADR was higher in gabapentin group compared to pregabalin group.
Highlights
Reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) and pain quality assessment scale (PQAS) scores at 8 weeks was statistically significant in each group (p
The prevalence of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) was more in the gabapentin group
The prevalence of ADR was higher in gabapentin group compared to pregabalin group
Summary
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a disabling pain condition that occurs as a common adverse effect of anti-cancer drugs. In India, there are at present 2.5 million cancer cases. Of these patients, 30–50% experience CIPN while undergoing treatment for cancer [1,2]. The most common drugs that produce neuropathic pain are platinum agents such as cisplatin and carboplatin, taxanes like paclitaxel, Vinca alkaloids like vincristine; and bortezomib and thalidomide [3]. CIPN can present as sensory symptoms in the hands and/or feet in a “stocking-glove” pattern, that is, pain, numbness, tingling, motor symptoms, cranial nerve deficits, or autonomic neuropathy. In case of neuropathic pain, response is very poor to analgesics
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