RESUMO
AIM: To investigate the neurofunctional parameters in breast cancer (BC) patients with paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) and to clarify the feasibility of using alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in combination with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor ipidacrine hydrochloride (IPD) for its prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 BC patients (T1-4N0-3M0-1) prescribed for polychemotherapy (PCT) by the AT (paclitaxel, doxorubicin) or ET (paclitaxel, epirubicin) regimens in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant or palliative modes, were enrolled. The patients were randomized into two groups (n = 50 per group): group I treated by PCT only; group II treated with PCT plus the studied PIPN prevention scheme (ALA in combination with IPD). An electroneuromyography (ENMG) of the sensory (superficial peroneal and sural) nerves was performed before PCT, and after the 3 and 6 PCT cycles. RESULTS: According to ENMG data, the electrophysiological disturbances in the sensory nerves were manifested in the form of axonal sensory peripheral neuropathy of a symmetrical nature, which was reflected in a decrease in the amplitude of the action potential (AP) of the studied nerves. The AP reduction in sensory nerves was dominant, in contrast to the nerve conduction velocity, which in most patients remained within the reference values, thus evidencing on axonal degeneration rather than demyelination as an underlying cause of PIPN. The ENMG testing of the sensory nerve in the groups of BC patients treated by PCT with paclitaxel with or without PIPN prevention treatment established that the use of ALA in combination with IPD significantly improved AP amplitude, duration and area of ââthe response to the stimulation of the superficial peroneal and sural nerves after 3 and 6 PCT cycles. CONCLUSION: The use of ALA in combination with IPD significantly reduced the severity of damage to the superficial peroneal and sural nerves caused by PCT with paclitaxel and could be recommended for PIPN prevention.