Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and New Therapeutic Targets: Preclinical Data of Drug Repositioning

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of neurotoxic anticancer drugs. Its prevalence is close to 60%, but it can vary considerably depending on the anticancer drugs and doses administered. CIPN remains a problematic and long-lasting adverse effect associated with a decline of patient’s quality of life. Moreover, no preventive treatment can be recommended and only duloxetine has a moderate recommendation in the management of CIPN (American Society of Clinical Oncology [ASCO] and the European Society for Medical Oncology [ESMO]). Consequently, oncologists must decrease or stop neurotoxic anticancer regimen to limit CIPN severity, which may in turn have a negative oncological impact on disease control and progression-free survival. Thus, improvement in pharmacological neuropathy management is needed. We consider according to a reverse translational research strategy that this can be achieved either by proposing innovative strategies, improving the use of current analgesic drugs, or drug repositioning. In this article, two strategies of drug repositioning, riluzole and donepezil, will be presenting in the management of CIPN based on the studies in animal models of CIPN.