Neurotoxicity Help

Hello all you Chemo Warriors:

This is one of my doctors articles on help with neurotoxicity. I seem him every three months but it is to far to drive for chemo. I took Magnesium and Calcium orally at my last infusion because my local onc won't give me the infusion and I felt it really did help with the neuropathy this week. I am meeting with another local onc to see if she will give it to me otherwise I will take the long drive for the infusion.

I'm half way done and want every opportunity to not fry my nerves. 6 down and 6 more to go.

I though this info to important not to pass along.

Jen


Can Magnesium and Calcium infusion help with Neurotoxicity

You may remember the press release last year about the Concept Trial which indicated that the patients who received calcium and magnesium infusion appeared to have lower response rates than patients in the control group.
Oxaliplatin can cause significant neurotoxicity which usually presents as numbness and tingling sensations which can lead to problems buttoning shirts or even walking. Oxaliplatin can also cause cold sensitivity which often lasts 5-7 days but depending on the length of therapy can last much longer.
Oxaliplatin is a chelate (molecular structure) and can bind away calcium and magnesium in the body. The nerves have calcium dependent channels used for transporting the nerve activity. When this calcium is bound away the nerves don't function as well and can cause what we call cold sensitivity or parasthesia.
When oxaliplatin is given for a longer period of time, the neuron (the cells which grow the nerves) can die because of the chemotherapy and this causes the lasting numbness and tingling. But it's not only the nerves which are harmed, many patients experience cramps in their legs or hands which can be a sign of low calcium and low magnesium levels.
After the press release warned that calcium and magnesium infusion may harm, everyone stopped the infusion despite having noticed that is seemed to help in the clinic.
At a recent meeting the final efficacy data were released showing that there is no harm with calcium and magnesium infusions prior to and after oxaliplatin. Its effectiveness in preventing neurotoxicity will be reported in June at ASCO 2008. I have started using it again since many patients feel that it is better with the infusions.
If you are treated with oxaliplatin, please discuss with your oncologist the use of magnesium and calcium infusion to prevent neurotoxicity. He can also measure the levels in your blood stream to make sure you are not too low.
Check out my curriculum of past blog posts as well as much more important information on colorectal cancer.
HJ Lenz is a licensed practitioner of Medical Oncology who has been engaged by Revolution Health. No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Revolution Health.


Check out his blog:

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/heinzjosef/can-magnesium-and-cal-12126