The Effect of Thiamine in Reducing the Symptoms of Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most frequent side effects of bortezomib-based chemotherapy, which has the most important role in treatment of multiple myeloma. Various supplements including vitamin B group complex have been examined to prevent and treat bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN), but there is no definite recommendation yet. We aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in prevention of BIPN in patients with multiple myeloma.

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial study. Patients with multiple myeloma who were supposed to receive 4 months of bortezomib-based chemotherapy were enrolled the study and divided into two groups. The intervention group received thiamine at a dose of 300 mg per day from the beginning of treatment schedules, and the control group were observed during treatment. For assessment, we used symptoms experience questionnaire that was completed after 4 months.

29 patients were enrolled in vitamin B1 group and 29 others in control group. Peripheral neuropathy score significantly decreased after intervention with vitamin B1 in comparison with control group (P < 0.0001).

 The findings demonstrate that vitamin B1 has a significant effect on preventing and reducing the severity of peripheral neuropathy in BIPN.