Brami, C., Bao, T., & Deng, G. (2016). Natural products and complementary therapies for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 98, 325–334.
DOI Link
Purpose
STUDY PURPOSE: To provide a review of best evidence for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) treatments
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
Search Strategy
Literature Evaluated
Sample Characteristics
- FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 13
- TOTAL PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REVIEW = 685
- SAMPLE RANGE ACROSS STUDIES: 16–201
Phase of Care and Clinical Applications
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Results
Interventions included were vitamin E, glutamine, goshajinkigan, alpha-lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, acupuncture, massage therapy, acetyl L carnitine, and physical activity. All interventions showed mixed findings, with findings suggesting that acetyl L carnitine may worsen symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Conclusions
Limited evidence exists to show the effectiveness of integrative therapies for the prevention or treatment of CIPN.
Limitations
- Limited number of studies included
- No quality evaluation
- Low sample sizes
Nursing Implications
Very limited evidence exists for effective interventions to prevent or manage CIPN. More research is needed in this area.