A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO IDENTIFY EFFECT OF VITAMIN D REPLACEMENT IN CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (CIPN) IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of the study is to identify effect of vitamin D replacement in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients

Study design and place of study: Randomized Control Trial, August 2025-Janurary 2026, Tertiary care hospital

Methodology: 155 adult cancer patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy were included in this study. Participants with vitamin D insufficiency were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3 supplementation or placebo alongside standard chemotherapy. Neuropathy severity was assessed using NCI-CTCAE v5.0 and EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaires at baseline, during chemotherapy, and follow-up. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, chemotherapy dose modifications, and adverse effects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 155 patients were randomized into vitamin D and placebo groups with comparable baseline characteristics. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improved patient-reported neuropathy scores, decreased chemotherapy dose reductions and treatment delays, and enhanced quality of life. Post-treatment vitamin D levels increased significantly without major adverse effects, confirming the safety and effectivenessofsupplementation.

 Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation effectively reduced chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and improved treatment tolerance and quality of life in cancer patients.