Exploratory Study on the Use of Pregabalin for the Treatment of Taxol Related Arthralgia-Myalgia

Summary

Paclitaxel is chemotherapeutic agent used in many of the most common anti-cancer regimens. Its use is frequently associated with moderate to severe muscle and joint pain that may persist for several days after the treatment. This side effect, known as "Arthralgia-Myalgia Syndrome, has a significant impact on the quality of life and functional abilities of those receiving the treatment, and is not alleviated by many of the interventions attempted for that purpose. Sporadic reports suggest that a drug called gabapentin may be effective in the management of this adverse effect. Observations from our practice indicate that pregabalin, which possesses similar biological activity to that of gabapentin, may also be useful in preventing and treating paclitaxel associated myalgia - arthralgia. The current study represents an initial evaluation of the hypothesis that pregabalin may be beneficial in the management of the symptoms due to the "Arthralgia-Myalgia Syndrome". The investigation will be carried out in the format of a small scale, randomized, placebo controlled trial with patients receiving paclitaxel in the course of standard treatment for breast cancer.

Timeline

Start

2013-12

Primary completion

2015-03

Completion

2015-05

Publications

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• Background Gajraj NM. Pregabalin for pain management. Pain Pract. 2005 Jun;5(2):95-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2005.05205.x.
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• Background Garrison JA, McCune JS, Livingston RB, Linden HM, Gralow JR, Ellis GK, West HL. Myalgias and arthralgias associated with paclitaxel. Oncology (Williston Park). 2003 Feb;17(2):271-7; discussion 281-2, 286-8.
• Background Harmark L, van Puijenbroek E, Straus S, van Grootheest K. Intensive monitoring of pregabalin: results from an observational, Web-based, prospective cohort study in the Netherlands using patients as a source of information. Drug Saf. 2011 Mar 1;34(3):221-31. doi: 10.2165/11585030-000000000-00000.
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• Background Silverman DG, O'Connor TZ, Brull SJ. Integrated assessment of pain scores and rescue morphine use during studies of analgesic efficacy. Anesth Analg. 1993 Jul;77(1):168-70. No abstract available.
• Background Taylor CP, Angelotti T, Fauman E. Pharmacology and mechanism of action of pregabalin: the calcium channel alpha2-delta (alpha2-delta) subunit as a target for antiepileptic drug discovery. Epilepsy Res. 2007 Feb;73(2):137-50. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2006.09.008. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

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Indications