Ozone in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy-Current State of Art, Possibilities, and Perspectives

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 9;24(6):5279. doi: 10.3390/ijms24065279.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most detrimental toxicity to a patient's quality of life. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in CIPN pathogenesis are complex, multifactorial, and only partially examined. They are suspected to be associated with oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS-induced apoptosis, myelin sheath and DNA damage, and immunological and inflammatory processes. Unfortunately, medications commonly used for the management of other neuropathic pain syndromes, including gabapentinoids, opioids, and tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine and nortriptyline), do not bring satisfactory results in CIPN. The aim of this review is to evaluate the existing literature on the potential use of medical ozone as a treatment for CIPN. This paper would explore the potential therapeutic benefits of medical ozone. The review would evaluate the existing literature on the use of medical ozone in other contexts, as well as its potential application in treating CIPN. The review would also suggest possible research methods, such as randomized controlled trials, to evaluate the efficacy of medical ozone as a treatment for CIPN. Medical ozone has been used to disinfect and treat diseases for over 150 years. The effectiveness of ozone in treating infections, wounds, and a variety of diseases has been well documented. Ozone therapy is also documented to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and ischemia/hypoxia, ozone may have a potentially valuable effect on CIPN.

Keywords: CIPN; ozone; pain treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia* / chemically induced
  • Neuralgia* / drug therapy
  • Ozone* / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ozone

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.