Purpose of review: The purpose of this mini review is to evaluate the literature on B vitamins and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Recent findings: One hundred and five journal articles were evaluated and nine manuscripts were included. There was one in vitro, one was an animal and seven were human studies. The in vitro study was a safety study on vitamin B6 and oxaliplatin which was not directly related to CIPN. The animal study evaluated vitamin B3 on paclitaxel administration with positive results. The human studies varied using a vitamin B complex, vitamin B12 only and vitamin B6. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) continues to plague patients and the medical fraternity. Currently, there are still no conclusive protective or treatment options. B vitamins have been found to play a role in CIPN prevention, but further studies are required to ascertain possible protection and treatment options.
Keywords: B vitamins; CIPN; Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; Vitamin B12.