Investigating the effect of zinc on the prevention of acute peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients treated with taxanes

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major complication of many chemotherapeutic agents, including taxanes. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of zinc on CIPN. Materials and Methods: This is a double-blinded controlled clinical trial that was performed in 2020-2021 in Isfahan on 55 cancer patients. We collected the data regarding CIPN, its severity, presence of abnormal deep-tendon reflexes, paresthesia, restriction in daily activities, and restriction in self-care and pain. Patients were divided into two groups: Patients in the first group were treated with capsules of zinc sulfate 25 mg daily and the control group received placebo. The duration of treatments was 3 months. Patients were visited 6, 9, and 12 weeks after study initiation. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of CIPN in the intervention group (37.03 vs. 14.8, P < 0.001). The evaluation of the severity of neuropathy and presence of abnormal deep-tendon reflexes also demonstrated significant decrease in the intervention group during the study (P < 0.001 for both), but no significant changes were observed in the placebo group (P > 0.05). The activity limitations and pain severity improved significantly both in the intervention and placebo groups (P < 0.001 for both groups and items). The intervention group, however, had significantly lower frequencies of activity limitation and lower pain severity within compared to the control group during the study (P < 0.0 01). Conclusion: Zinc supplement therapy resulted in reduced frequency and intensity of CIPN in patients undergoing chemotherapy with taxanes.