Using duloxetine to prevent nerve damage from chemotherapy in cancer patients

Duloxetine to Prevent Oxaliplatin-Induced Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II to Phase III Study

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10756924

This study is looking at whether the medication duloxetine can help prevent numbness and tingling in the hands and feet caused by oxaliplatin treatment in people with colorectal cancer, and it will involve patients from different locations to see how well it works.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10756924 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates whether duloxetine can prevent oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in patients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer. OIPN is a common side effect characterized by numbness and tingling in the extremities, which can lead to pain and significantly impact quality of life. The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, where participants will receive either duloxetine or a placebo to assess its effectiveness in preventing these symptoms. The research will be conducted across multiple sites, allowing for a diverse patient population to participate.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with stage II-IV colorectal cancer who are scheduled to receive oxaliplatin as part of their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving oxaliplatin or those with contraindications to duloxetine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a preventive treatment option for patients at risk of developing painful nerve damage from chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for duloxetine in treating established OIPN, indicating potential for its preventive use.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.