Research on the mechanism and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592358
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Anesthesiology/Resuscitation studies
• Research Institution: Jikei University School of Medicine (2015-2016); Teikyo University (2012-2014)
• Principal Investigator: Shimoyama Megumi 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (10206253)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TOYAMA Satoshi 国立成育医療研究センター, 手術・集中治療部, 医長 (30318092) ; ISHIDA Yasuo 帝京大学ちば総合医療センター, 病院病理部, 教授 (50151387)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: peripheral neuropathy / chemotherapy / oxaliplatin / mitochondria

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Repeated administrations of oxaliplatin at doses with anti-tumor effects with rest periods in between administrations to allow recovery from acute toxic effects, induced neuropathy that closely mimicked patients conditions. In this model, tetrapeptides that target cardiolipin of the mitochondria and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics prevented the development of the neuropathy. This suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis and these compounds may be useful in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients. Furthermore, the results of drug tests using this model suggested that, in addition to duloxetine which is already recommended for the treatment of neuropathic pain due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, tramadol, pregabalin and orexin 1-receptor agonists may be effective.

Free Research Field

palliative medicine