An Update on Peripheral Neuropathy Induced by Cisplatin: A Minireview of Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect experienced by numerous cancer patients engaged in a treatment regimen. Understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, can help healthcare professionals provide effective treatment options to compensate for the neurotoxic effects causing chronic pain syndromes. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to provide an updated overview of mechanisms and treatment strategies for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: A manual search was conducted using the search terms "cisplatin neuropathy," "cisplatin neurotoxicity," "mechanisms," and "prevention and treatment of cisplatin-induced Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)" across the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The selection process was applied to the relevant original studies from the last decade that employed cellular and animal models. Eligible studies for inclusion were those that yielded recent experimental results demonstrating the benefits of treatment for CIPN. RESULTS: The subsequent update elucidates the mechanisms by which the chemotherapeutic agent traverses the cell membrane and the cell's subsequent attempts to mitigate its deleterious effects. We provide a comprehensive overview of cisplatin's mechanisms of neurotoxicity, highlighting emerging innovations in pharmacological and preventive approaches to the treatment of cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathies. DISCUSSION: Preclinical studies have provided valuable insights into the potential of various transport proteins as therapeutic and preventive interventions for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. However, the lack of effective, well-established CIPN treatment remains a significant barrier to translating preclinical study results into clinical practice. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of chemoresistance pathways can identify promising intervention strategies and enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in cancer therapy by mitigating chronic pain in patients.