CBD helps with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

This study examined the safety, dosing, and preventive effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in patients receiving oxaliplatin- or paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. It was published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer in August 2022.

From MayoClinic.org: "Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation."

54 patients were included. They were given 150mg of CBD in an oil twice a day (300mg daily) for 8 days beginning 1 day before they began chemotherapy. Controls came from a similar patient cohort that did not receive CBD in addition to their chemotherapy.

The chemotherapy treatments included were 1) carboplatin and paclitaxel (Carbo-Tax) or 2) capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX), both standard chemotherapy treatment drugs.

Patients receiving CBD and CAPOX or Carbo-Tax showed significantly lower (better) change in Z-scores in high-frequency MF-V (125 and 250 Hz) compared to controls. 

CAPOX patients treated with CBD had significantly lower peak baseline-adjusted difference in three PRO items on cold sensitivity to touch, discomfort swallowing cold liquids, and throat discomfort. No significant differences in PRO items were found for patients receiving Carbo-Tax. 

CBD attenuated early symptoms of CIPN with no major safety concerns.

The article abstract is available here at Springer.com.