The effects of vitamin E and selenium on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in cancer patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy: A randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

• BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent with a wide range of anticancer effects. Two main toxicities of this drug are nephrotoxicity and myelosuppression. These toxic effects are related to free radical damage, reduction in antioxidant levels and oxidant stress.
• METHODS: In this study, 22 patients received 400 IU vitamin E and 200 µg selenium daily and 24 patients received placebo. The primary outcome was nephrotoxicity and the secondary outcome was bone marrow suppression. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and complete blood count with differential (CBC/diff) including of white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet counts were determined at the start of chemotherapy and before each cycle as well as one month after cessation of chemotherapy in both groups.
• RESULTS: Significant differences in GFR were observed between the two groups after the third cycle and one month after the end of chemotherapy (p < 0.05). WBC, Hb, and platelet counts showed significant differences between the study groups after the second and third cycles (p < 0.05). While after one month WBC and platelet counts demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05), Hb changed insignificantly (p > 0.05).
• CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, vitamin E and selenium can be used to reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and bone marrow suppression.
• KEYWORDS: Chemotherapy, Vitamin E, Selenium; Cisplatin, Nephrotoxicity, Myelosuppression, Glomerular Filtration Rate