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). CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, vitamin E and selenium can be used to reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and bone marrow suppression.