Biomarkers to predict chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of neurofilament light chain and novel peripheral nerve biomarkers to predict the development and severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
IRAS ID
282894
Contact name
Michael Lunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
4564235, UCL ref
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
Chemotherapy for cancer can damage nerves in the arms and legs as a potentially severe and disabling complication of the treatment. This is known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN occurs with some cancer drugs in approximately 30-40% of people, but CIPN occurring even with these drugs is unpredictable and can sometimes be severe, causing long-term pain and disability. Two classes of chemotherapy drugs which cause CIPN commonly are taxane drugs and platinum drugs.
Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a protein released into the blood, measurable in tiny amounts (a biomarker) and has been found to be elevated in other causes of damage to peripheral nerves. In this study we will measure levels of NFL and two other biomarkers more specific to peripheral nerves in patients receiving chemotherapy with taxane or platinum drugs. We will measure the levels of these three biomarkers over time and compare them to clinical measures of nerve damage to determine whether the biomarkers can be used to predict the development and the severity of CIPN. The changes in the biomarker levels may also increase the understanding of the pathophysiology underlying CIPN.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0652
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion