Oxaliplatin, a common chemotherapeutic agent for colorectal cancer, often induces peripheral neuropathy, which can significantly affect patients' quality of life and limit treatment effectiveness. The neuropathy is partly caused by nerve inflammation and oxidative stress.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, has been suggested to protect neurons from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
This interventional, randomized, parallel-assignment study will enroll colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Participants will be assigned to either receive N-Acetylcysteine alongside chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. Primary outcomes include the incidence and severity of peripheral neuropathy measured at predefined intervals during treatment.
Secondary outcomes include biochemical markers of nerve inflammation and oxidative stress, including:
* Neurotensin (marker of nerve inflammation)
* Interleukin-6 (marker of systemic inflammation)
* Total Antioxidant Capacity (marker of oxidative stress)
The study aims to provide evidence on whether N-Acetylcysteine can serve as a protective agent against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, potentially improving treatment tolerance and patient outcomes.
