Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most frequently reported adverse effect of oxaliplatin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the role of the panaceo-micro-activation (PMA) zeolite in the reduction of the incidence of CIPN and hematological and liver toxicity. The possible impact of the PMA-zeolite as an adjuvant therapeutic agent is based on its detoxification properties toward agents promoting the development of neuropathy (e.g., ammonium—recognized as a neurotoxic agent produced by tumors), as well as its positive impact on immunity and oxidative stress through its effects in the gastrointestinal tract. From April 2015 to October 2018, a total of 120 patients (pts) diagnosed with predominantly colorectal cancer requiring oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were randomized to receive either the PMA-zeolite (Multizeo Med) or placebo while undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A nerve-conduction study (NCS) was planned at the baseline, after three and six months of chemotherapy, to evaluate CIPN. Furthermore, the evaluation of hematological and liver toxicity was performed during every cycle of chemotherapy. 70.6% and 64.3% of patients developed CIPN in the placebo and the PMA-zeolite group, respectively. Patients treated with the PMA-zeolite were able to undergo more cycles of chemotherapy (p = 0.03), which also indicates a significant improvement in tolerance to the therapy. The group treated with the PMA-zeolite showed a lower CIPN (although not statistically significant within the whole group of subjects) compared to patients receiving placebo. This advantage was, however, statistically significant in men (p = 0.047). In addition, supplementation with the PMA-zeolite resulted in a lower incidence of severe-grade hematological toxicity (trend toward statistical significance of p = 0.09 was observed). Cancer patients may benefit from the therapy with the appropriate certified zeolite-products (e.g., the PMA-zeolite) for human use in CIPN. The lower CIPN (statistically significant results in the male subgroup) was accompanied by a trend of lower incidence of severe-grade hematological toxicity. Furthermore, these benefits led to a better tolerance toward chemotherapy (increase in cycles) and allow an improved compliance with the oncological treatment protocol.
Highlights
The development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) during antineoplastic therapy is one of the most common causes of the termination or modification of cancer treatment.Toxicity results from the inability of chemotherapeutic agents to differentiate between healthy and malignant cells, which causes significant patient morbidity.The type and degree of injury to the peripheral nerves are variable and dependent on several factors, including the specific antineoplastic agent, duration of therapy, and cumulative dose
The aim of our study was to determine whether the PMA-zeolite might be useful in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced side effects, especially peripheral neuropathy for patients receiving oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized, prospective-controlled clinical study to evaluate the role of the PMA-zeolite (Multizeo Med) in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients
Summary
The development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) during antineoplastic therapy is one of the most common causes of the termination or modification of cancer treatment. The type and degree of injury to the peripheral nerves are variable and dependent on several factors, including the specific antineoplastic agent, duration of therapy, and cumulative dose. The cytotoxic drugs most frequently responsible for neurotoxic symptoms are anti-microtubule agents (vinca alkaloids and taxanes) and platinum derivatives (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin) [1]. Platinum-induced peripheral neuropathy may cause pain and function loss and can be a dose-limiting factor for cancer treatment. In a systematic review of 31 studies (N = 4179), CIPN prevalence had a wide variance from 12.1% to 96.2%, depending on different timings of assessment and type of chemotherapy [2]. The signs and symptoms of reversible acute neuropathy were observed in 82% to 98% of patients in five clinical trials involving 210 patients [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
