Vitamin E for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: Rationale for an ongoing clinical trial

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a troubling side effect that can lead to dose reductions and discontinuation of treatment. This can be quite distressing for patients. Current treatments for CIPN are limited, can have side effects, and are generally of limited efficacy. There is recent evidence from several small pilot studies that the use of vitamin E might help prevent or lessen the side effects of CIPN. To date, a large, randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of vitamin E as prevention for CIPN has not been conducted. A clinical trial is currently being conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group to study the relationship between vitamin E and CIPN.