Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and neurotrophins

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A pilot study to determine the role of neurotrophins in painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

• IRAS ID

  124201

• Contact name

  Alison R Loescher

• Contact email

  a.loescher@sheffield.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

• Research summary

  The purpose of this investigation is to increase our understanding of why some patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) develop pain whilst others do not. It is anticipated that the results of this study will lead directly to the development of new rational based treatments.
  Neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), alter the activity and excitability of peripheral nerve fibres including the nerves in the skin. NGF is produced by cells in the skin and is taken up by the nerves before being transported towards the central nervous system. In CIPN the number on nerve fibres in the skin is significantly reduced, and we suggest that this reduced number of nerve fibres will be exposed to significantly more NGF. An increased uptake of NGF by the reduced number of fibres will alter their excitability and lead to the development of pain.
  In this pilot study we will establish if the level of cutaneous NGF is increased in patients with painful CIPN. The results of this investigation will inform the sample size required to undertake a more definitive study.
  Small cutaneous biopsies will be taken from patients with painful and non-painful CIPN. The human tissue will be studied as follows:

  • ELISA to determine NGF expression in the skin.
  Histological studies to determine the number of skin nerve fibres and their characteristics
  • Results will be correlated with each patient’s clinical signs and symptoms.
  • Comparisons will be made with age matched controls

  The information obtained from this study will compared give an insight into the role of neurotrophins and ion channel expression in painful CIPN

• REC name

  Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/YH/0123

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 Jun 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion