Acetyl-L-Carnitine Improves Neuropathy

Category: Conditions of the Brain

Chemotherapeutic medications like cisplatin and paclitaxel can have serious consequences on the health of individuals undergoing chemotherapy. One negative side effect is peripheral neuropathy, or nerve inflammation. The neurotoxicity from the chemotherapeutic medications can be so severe that treatment must be discontinued.

A study from Italy published in the May issue of Tumori investigated the effects of acetyl-l-carnitine on peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The pilot study had 27 patients enrolled with a history of peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapeutic drugs. After IV treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine, 73% showed improvement in symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The mean treatment period was 14 days.

The authors conclude that these results represent a promising treatment for a seriously debilitating side effect of chemotherapy that can sometimes disrupt necessary treatment. Although the treatment needs to be repeated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a larger number of participants to determine the full efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on November 18, 2008 10:00 AM