Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .
Omega-3 fatty acids are protective against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial
Background Axonal sensory peripheral neuropathy is the major dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel . Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on neurological disorders from their effects on neurons cells and inhibition of the formation of proinflammatory cytokines involved in peripheral neuropathy . Methods This study was a r and omized double blind placebo controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing incidence and severity of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy ( PIPN ) .  Eligible patients with breast cancer r and omly assigned to take omega-3 fatty acid pearls  , 640 mg t.i.d during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and one month after the end of the treatment or placebo .  Clinical and electrophysiological studies were performed before the onset of chemotherapy and one month after cessation of therapy to evaluate PIPN based on " reduced Total Neuropathy Score " . Results Twenty one patients ( 70 % ) of the group taking omega-3 fatty acid supplement ( n = 30 ) did not develop PN while it was 40.7 % ( 11 patients ) in the placebo group(n = 27 ) . A significant difference was seen in PN incidence ( OR = 0.3 , .95 % CI = ( 0.10 - 0.88 ) , p = 0.029 ) . There was a non-significant trend for differences of PIPN severity between the two study groups but the frequencies of PN in all scoring categories were higher in the placebo group ( 0.95 % CI = ( −2.06 -0.02 ) , p = 0.054 ) . Conclusions Omega-3 fatty acids may be an efficient neuroprotective agent for prophylaxis against PIPN . Patients with breast cancer have a longer disease free survival rate with the aid of therapeutical agents . Finding a way to solve the disabling effects of PIPN would significantly improve the patients ’ quality of life . Trial registration This trial was registered at Clinical Trials.gov ( NCT01049295
Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .