Efficacy of Metformin in the Prevention and Management of Paclitaxel Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

  • Rizal Rizal Subspecialized Residency Training Student, Oncology Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37275/bsm.v8i5.986

Keywords:

Metformin, Paclitaxel, Peripheral neuropathy, Prevention, Quality of life

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of paclitaxel chemotherapy that can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, shows potential in preventing and managing paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This review article aims to evaluate the efficacy of metformin in the prevention and management of peripheral neuropathy due to paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Methods: Electronic literature (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was reviewed to find clinical studies examining the efficacy of metformin in the prevention and management of paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Results: Eight clinical studies with a total of 542 patients were evaluated. Metformin significantly reduced the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy compared with placebo (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32-0.91). Metformin significantly reduced neuropathy symptom scores compared with placebo (MD = -1.52; 95% CI: -2.43 to -0.61). Metformin significantly improved patients' quality of life compared with placebo (MD = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.17-0.79).

Conclusion: Metformin shows promising efficacy in the prevention and management of paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Authors

  • Rizal Rizal1*
  1. 1Subspecialized Residency Training Student, Oncology Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia

Corresponding author Rizal Rizal — send2rizal@gmail.com

Article history

  1. Submitted
  2. Accepted
  3. Published

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Published

2024-02-27

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How to Cite

1.
Rizal R. Efficacy of Metformin in the Prevention and Management of Paclitaxel Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Literature Review. Bioscmed [Internet]. 2024 Feb. 27 [cited 2026 Aug. 6];8(5):4363-8. Available from: https://bioscmed.com/index.php/bsm/article/view/986

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