Prevention of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: literature review of potential pharmacological interventions

Abstract Background Paclitaxel administration is considered a keystone in the management of many types of cancers. However, paclitaxel chemotherapy often leads to peripheral neuropathy which is the most prominent adverse effect that reduces the patient’s quality of life and demands dose reduction leading to decreased disease curing. Paclitaxel induces peripheral neuropathy through disruption of microtubules, distorted function of ion channels, axonal degeneration, and inflammatory events. So far, there is no standard medication to prevent the incidence of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Main body Numerous preclinical studies in rats and rodents showed that several therapeutic agents have neuroprotective mechanisms and reduce the incidence of PIPN, proving their effectiveness in the prevention of PIPN in animal models. Different mechanisms, such as reduction of the expression of inflammatory mediators, quenching of reactive oxygen species, prevention of neuronal damage, and other mechanisms, have been explored. Moreover, many clinical trials have further established the neuroprotective effect of several investigational drugs on PIPN. Twenty preclinical studies of pharmacological interventions were reviewed for their preventive effect on neuropathy. These medications targeted cannabinoid receptors, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and ion channels. Additionally, 25 clinical studies with pharmacological preventive interventions of PIPN have been reviewed, of which only 10 showed preventive action in PIPN. Conclusion Prevention of PIPN is currently considered an emergent field of research. This review highlights the potential interventions and presents recent findings from both preclinical and clinical studies on the significant prevention of PIPN to help in effective decision-making. However, further well-designed research is required to ascertain recommendations for clinical practice.