Effect of duloxetine on pain, function, and quality of life among patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Among patients with painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, use of the anti-depressant drug duloxetine for 5 weeks resulted in a greater reduction in pain compared with placebo, according to a study in the April 3, 2013 issue of JAMA. Ellen Lavoie Smith, PhD, of the University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, and colleagues within the Cancer and Leukaemia Group B (CALGB/Alliance) conducted a randomized phase III double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to assess whether duloxetine taken orally once daily decreases the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Lavoie Smith EM, et al. Effect of Duloxetine on Pain, Function, and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2013;309(13):1359-1367. PMID: 23549581