OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of calcium-magnesium (Ca/Mg) infusion and glutathione (GSH) for preventing the neurotoxicity induced by oxaliplatin.

METHODSThis is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trail. The patients receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy for their solid tumor were randomized to receive Ca/Mg, GSH or normal saline with chemotherapy simultaneously. The incidence and severity of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity were observed. The ECOG performance status was recorded and compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTSNinety-three patients admitted in our department from Mar 2006 to Dec 2007 were entered into this study, including 29 patients in the Ca/Mg group, 33 in the GSH group and 31 in the chemotherapy alone group. The incidences of acute neurotoxicity were 82.8%, 90.9% and 93.5%, respectively. At the third cycle, the incidences of grade 1-2 chronic neurotoxicity were 37.9%, 48.5% and 42.0%, respectively. No grade 3 neuropathy was observed. After 6 cycles, the incidence of grade 1-2 neuropathy was increased to 68.2%, 88.9% and 85.2%, respectively. A lower percentage was observed in Ca/Mg arm without a statistically significant difference, and grade 3 neuropathy occurred in 5 patients. After 9 cycles, the incidence of grade 1-2 neuropathy was increased to 81.3%, 90.0% and 92.9%, respectively. Grade 3 neuropathy occurred in another 2 patients. No statistically significant difference was observed among the 3 arms. Changes of patient's ECOG score after chemotherapy were similar.

CONCLUSIONThis study didn't provide evidence that Ca/Mg infusion and GSH can prevent the oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity.