Lifestyle‐Related Factors in the Self‐Management of Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy treatment in colorectal cancer (CRC), negatively affecting the daily functioning and quality of life of CRC patients. Currently, there are no established treatments to prevent or reduce CIPN. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify lifestyle-related factors that can aid in preventing or reducing CIPN, as such factors may promote self-management options for CRC patients suffering from CIPN. Methods. A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Original research articles investigating oxaliplatin-related CIPN in CRC were eligible for inclusion. Results. In total, 22 articles were included, which suggested that dietary supplements, such as antioxidants and herbal extracts, as well as physical exercise and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, may have beneficial effects on preventing or reducing CIPN symptoms. However, many of the reviewed articles presented various limitations, including small sample sizes and heterogeneity in study design and measurements of CIPN. Conclusions. No strong conclusions can be drawn regarding the role of lifestyle-related factors in the management of CIPN in CRC patients. Certain dietary supplements and physical exercise may be beneficial for the management of CIPN, but further research is warranted.

Changes in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, disturbance in activities of daily living, and depression following chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer: A prospective study

“…Thus, key symptoms include sensory neuropathy (pain, paresthesia, burning sensation, and numbness), autonomic nerve dysfunction, and motor nerve dysfunction (muscle weakness and muscle spasms), which cause functional disorders and hinder daily activities (Brami et al, 2016). Various causes of symptoms and degree severity of OIPN, including, cumulative dosage, nutritional state (low body weight), gene variations, treatment period, risk conditions (diabetes, alcoholic neuropathy) and peripheral neuropathy symptoms prior to chemotherapy have been suggested (Derksen et al, 2017;Pulvers et al, 2017).…”

The efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture for alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with coloreactal cancer: study protocol for a single-blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial

“…In this study, the difference in FACT/ GOC-Ntx score between the intervention group and the sham-control group accounts for the calculation. As shown in a recent systematic review [12], there was only one study showing that acupuncture has significantly reduced the FACT GOC-Ntx score (mean difference = 5.40, SD = 3.91, 95% CI = 0.54-10.26) [26]. In this study, we assume the effect size between electro-acupuncture and sham acupuncture is 0.3.…”

“…The current studies of acupuncture in CIPN vary in the use of different cancer and anti-cancer drugs such as taxanes for breast cancer [9], bortezomib and thalidomide for multiple myeloma [10], and a mix of neurotoxic anticancer drugs [11]. However, studies of acupuncture for oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy are rare and there has been no randomized controlled trial [12]. Therefore, we designed this study for a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial to explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in relieving CIPN.…”

Integrative Herbal Medicine for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Hand-Foot Syndrome in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…9,18 Previous reviews of CIPN have investigated the effects of (a) various Chinese herbs for oxaliplatin-induced CIPN in various cancers, 19 (b) the herbal formula Goshajinkigan in the prevention of CIPN in various cancers, [20][21][22] (c) and lifestyle factors, including the use of herbal medicines and supplements in the management of CRC. 23 The present systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested herbal medicines used in traditional medicine in China, Korea, and Japan in the integrative management of CIPN resulting from treatment for CRC. It aims to assess the effects of the herbal medicines on the prevention and treatment of CIPN and identify any promising directions for future research.…”