Study: Orally administered CBD prevents chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Through Lydia Karuki

A new study published in the official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer has shown that oral cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in preventing peripheral neuropathy that occurs after chemotherapy. The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care at the University Hospital of Zealand in Denmark.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a condition that affects nerves in the extremities (feet and hands), making them weak, painful, and numb. Several factors can cause PN, including diabetes, injury, and exposure to toxins such as chemotherapy drugs. Common treatments for PN include the use of anticonvulsants (like diazepam), antidepressants (like amitriptyline), and pain relievers (mild opioids).

While these treatments help relieve PN symptoms, they don’t prevent them or treat the underlying problem. Those suffering from PN often find that they need to take PN medication for long periods of time, and of course this carries the risk of addiction and other side effects.

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What is CBD and how can it help?

Cannabidiol is one of the numerous phytocannabinoids present in cannabis. Research has confirmed the therapeutic benefits of CBD in several areas. This includes treating seizures, chronic pain, and social anxiety disorders, among others.

RELATED: Study: Cannabinoids (THC/CBD) beat opioids in treating chronic pain

This recent study was conducted to investigate the potential of CBD in preventing peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment (oxaliplatin or paclitaxel). Patients were offered two 150 mg doses of CBD. Treatment began one day before chemotherapy treatment and continued for eight days. A control group (patients not receiving CBD treatment) was also created.

At the end of the study, researchers concluded that CBD attenuates the early symptoms of chemotherapy-induced PN without causing major side effects.

What’s next?

While CBD’s neuroprotective benefits have been studied in the past, not much has been reported about its potential in preventing or treating peripheral neuropathy. This new research suggests that CBD may bring hope to those suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This finding warrants further research in the form of randomized clinical trials.

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In the meantime, check out this interesting study showing that CBD and THC have a better benefit-safety profile compared to opioids used to treat chronic pain.