Efficacy of Nanocurcumin in Preventing Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Breast Cancer Patients: Findings from a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the prophylactic efficacy of nanocurcumin in mitigating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among patients with non-metastatic breast cancer receiving paclitaxel. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients were enrolled after completing anthracycline- and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimens. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either nanocurcumin 40 mg twice daily or a matched placebo. The severity of CIPN was evaluated using standardized instruments, including the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Large-fiber neuropathy was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Assessments were performed during the fourth and eighth weeks of the study. Results: Sixty patients completed the trial, including 32 in the placebo group and 28 in the nanocurcumin group. Peripheral neuropathy indices, including NDS, NSS, and MNSI, improved significantly in the nanocurcumin group compared with the placebo group; however, no significant between-group difference was observed in the incidence of large-fiber neuropathy. In addition, nanocurcumin reduced symptoms such as fatigue and muscle cramps, based on NSS and MNSI findings. No adverse events leading to discontinuation were reported in either group. Conclusions: These results suggest that nanocurcumin may be a safe and potentially effective intervention for preventing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer; however, further research is required to corroborate these findings.