Evaluating N-acetylcysteine as a Protective Agent Against Chemotherapy-induced Neuropathy in Breast Cancer: A Triple-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant clinical issue that affects patients' quality of life and can limit the dosing of chemotherapeutic agents. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a potential chemoprotective agent against CIPN due to its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral NAC in preventing and controlling taxane-induced neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

Methods: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 80 breast cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy. Participants were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group receiving 1200 mg of oral NAC in divided doses per day and a placebo group. Patients were evaluated for neuropathy grade and functional status at 1 and 12 weeks postintervention.

Results: Our analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence and severity of neuropathy between the intervention and placebo groups at 1 (P=0.328) and 12 weeks (P=0.569) postchemotherapy. Baseline characteristics such as age, number of treatment cycles, and disease stage were similar between groups, indicating a homogeneous population.

Conclusions: Oral NAC at a dose of 1200 mg per day did not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of taxane-induced neuropathy. These findings suggest that the oral bioavailability of NAC may be insufficient to exert a protective effect and that future studies should consider alternative dosing strategies or routes of administration. The need for further research to optimize NAC's chemoprotective role in CIPN remains evident.