Truini, A., Biasiotta, A., Di Stefano, G., La Cesa, S., Leone, C., Cartoni, C., . . . Cruccu, G. (2011). Palmitoylethanolamide restores myelinated-fibre function in patients with chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy. CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 10, 916-920.
Assess the effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on pain and nerve function in patients with chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy receiving bortezomib and thalidomide for multiple myeloma.
Patients with a score of at least 4 on a Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) screening tool for neuropathic pain were given 600 mg daily for two months during treatment with bortezomib and thalidomide. Study measurements were done before and after the administration of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA).
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Prospective trial
In four patients, the chemotherapy dose was reduced due to non-neuropathic problems. After two months of treatment with PEA, pain scores were significantly reduced (p < .002). Warmth threshold was not significantly changed. Ulnar, sural, and peroneal amplitudes were significantly increased (p < .03).
PEA may be of benefit in reducing pain and improving myelinated fibre function in patients who have chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms.
PEA may be a therapeutic tool for patients with painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; however, significant limitations as seen in this study contribute to a lack of evidence strength in this area. Further research of this intervention is warranted, as there are few known effective interventions for this problem.