Vitamin E in the neuroprotection of cisplatin induced peripheral neurotoxicity and ototoxicity
9114 Background: Peripheral neurotoxicity is a well recognized effect of cisplatin chemotherapy that can result in severe disability and represents a major dose-limiting factor. Several phase II studies have recently investigated the role of vitamin E as neuroprotectant in the prevention of cisplatin induced peripheral neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. Methods: An Italian randomized, placebo controlled, double blind multicentric study is ongoing to confirm the role of vitamin E supplementation in the prevention of neurotoxicity and ototoxicity induced by cisplatin Patients candidates to cisplatin chemotherapy were randomised to either vitamin E supplementation (a-tocopherol 400 mg/day) or to placebo. Patients were evaluated with neurological and neurophysiological examination before and after treatment. Neurotoxicity was measured using the comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological Total Neuropathy Score (TNS). Ototoxicity was evaluated with audiometric test and acoustic evoked potential before and after treatment. Results: 81 patients have been enrolled in 3 italian oncologic centers. An interim analysis on the first 50 patients was carried out. 25 patients (11 in the vit E group and 14 in the placebo group) received a cumulative dose higher than 300 mg/mq and were evaluable for neurotoxicity. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in median neurotoxicity score observed in vit E group (TNS=1) respect to the placebo group (TNS=5). Conclusions: This is the first randomised, placebo controlled, double blind trial exploring the efficacy of vitamin E in the neuroprotection of cisplatin neurotoxicity. The results of this study confirm the neuroprotective effect of vitamin E supplementation against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.