Chemotherapy-induced Neuropathy: Solutions and Therapies
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can cause tingling, numbness, and other sensations in the feet and hands. While a healthful diet and exercise can help the body fight cancer more effectively and may offer temporary relief from symptoms, it's essential to discuss the outlook and the risks and benefits of each treatment option with a doctor.
No single medical treatment for neuropathy works for all or most people undergoing chemotherapy. A 2014 study found that about half of people receiving chemotherapy had neuropathy, and 6.7 percent said it was a major symptom that doctors overlooked. Adjusting chemotherapy dose may be necessary if medical treatments are ineffective, with a doctor recommending more weekly treatments at half the dose or, in some cases, stopping chemotherapy.
Researchers are testing drugs to counteract the nerve damage that causes CIPN, but their effectiveness is controversial and requires more study. Different chemotherapy drugs damage different nerves, affecting the effectiveness of treatments. In rare instances, neuropathy can be permanent, but there is no way to predict whether this will be the case.
Natural and alternative remedies can help manage symptoms of CIPN through several mechanisms and approaches. Acupuncture and reflexology may provide symptom relief for CIPN patients, although the clinical evidence is still emerging and not fully conclusive. Home-based and supervised physical and occupational therapy exercises have shown promise as non-pharmacological treatments that improve sensory nerve function, physical function, manual dexterity, and quality of life in CIPN sufferers.
Recent research highlights that certain natural compounds or novel inducers targeting mitochondrial pathways can alleviate CIPN symptoms by promoting mitophagy (a process that clears damaged mitochondria). For example, ALT001, an inducer of an alternative mitophagy pathway, has been shown in animal models to reduce paclitaxel-induced nerve degeneration and sensory symptoms, suggesting a potent neuroprotective mechanism without compromising chemotherapy’s anticancer effects.
While specific natural remedies for CIPN prevention or treatment are under investigation, traditional herbal medicine holds potential for reducing neuropathy risk or severity, though detailed evidence and clinical validation are still limited.
In summary, natural and alternative therapies for CIPN focus on symptom relief through neuromodulation (acupuncture, reflexology), enhancement of nerve repair and mitochondrial health (mitophagy inducers), physical rehabilitation (exercise), and possibly herbal interventions. These approaches can complement conventional pharmacological treatments like duloxetine, contributing to better functional outcomes and quality of life for patients experiencing CIPN.
- Some people with bipolar disorder may also be at risk of developing breast disease or chronic diseases like diabetes.
- A person with multiple sclerosis (MS) might experience depression as a symptom, and obesity can worsen the condition.
- Dermatitis and atopic hepatitis are two medical conditions that can affect a person's skin and liver, respectively.
- While chemotherapy is effective in treating nsclc (non-small cell lung cancer), it can also lead to side effects like CIPN.
- Predictive medicine aims to identify individuals at high risk of disease, such as cancer, which can help in early intervention and treatment.
- In addition to health and wellness, mental health is crucial in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, especially during treatment like chemotherapy.
- Fitness and exercise play a vital role in overall health, but their impact on managing CIPN specifically remains a topic for further research.
- Medicare might cover certain treatments for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases, but the coverage varies depending on the policy.
- The science behind CIPN and other types of disease-induced neuropathy is still being explored, especially in relation to mitochondrial pathways and mitophagy.
- Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining overall health, and a balanced diet can help the body fight both cancer and the symptoms of CIPN.
- Crohns is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, part of the family of chronic diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
- In cases where medications to counteract CIPN are not effective, a doctor might recommend adjusting the chemotherapy dose or considering alternative treatment options like physical therapy.
- AQ (a specific measure of air quality) is important to consider, as poor air quality can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma.
- The effectiveness of homes-based and supervised physical and occupational therapy exercises in managing CIPN can vary from person to person, depending on the type and severity of the neuropathy.
- Future research on CIPN and other disease-related neuropathies should focus on developing more effective treatments, improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and finding predictive factors to identify those at higher risk.
