Homeopathic treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are a common and disabling side effect. They have a limiting effect on the dose and duration of chemotherapy, representing a missed opportunity for the patient. The intensity of symptoms depends on the patient's background and genetic predisposition. There is no recommended preventive or curative treatment. There is a lack of clinical study evaluating the benefits of homeopathic treatment. Only an expert recommendation has been published for the prevention of CIPN. Preventive treatment is essential because once established, CIPN requires lengthy and inconsistently effective treatments. Based on the pathophysiology of neurotoxicity with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel, toxicology, and computerized symptom repertory, a list of 14 candidate homeopathic medicine for preventive and curative purposes is presented with their key symptoms. The choice of one or more drugs will be made according to the principle of individualization of symptoms specific to the homeopathic method. In preventive care, Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, Rhus toxicodendron, Oxalicum acidum, and Sulfur, combined with organotherapy Nerves 4c, are the five most frequently recommended medicines. For curative purposes, in the case of late sequelae, Secale cornutum, Lycopodium clavatum, Nux vomica, Silicea or Natrum muriaticum can be added to the previously mentioned medications. Treatments should be conducted for an extended period due to the neuronal organic involvement. Alternating prescriptions of the most "similar" medicines are possible to determine, along with the patient, which one is the most effective. Integrative care is recommended to enhance the action of homeopathic treatment. This preliminary theoretical work can serve as a foundation for the development of upcoming clinical studies.