New potential drug suppresses chemotherapy-induced pain

Oncode Investigator Mario van der Stelt and his lab discovered a potential new drug that suppresses chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The results are published in Nature Communications.

Neuropathic pain is a common side effect of chemotherapy and one of the major reasons for discontinuation of the treatment. LEI-515 is a substance that stops the breakdown of a natural compound in our bodies that's similar to a component found in marijuana (2-arachidonoylglycerol).

LEI-515 reduced the neuropathic pain caused by a chemotherapeutic drug called paclitaxel in a mouse model. Unlike some medications or substances, LEI-515 doesn't cause behavioral changes (psychoactive effects) or lead to physical dependence in mice.

This study provides a basis for creating new pain-relief drugs (analgesics) with fewer side effects for cancer patients.

Mirjam Huizenga, first author of the paper, explains, "Cancer patients that suffer from chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are in dire need for effective medication without side effects, and our study provides promising results towards that goal."