Evaluation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on the prevention and amelioration of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled study.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the incidence and severity of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in breast cancer patients.

Method: A prospective randomized controlled open label study was conducted on 75 breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant paclitaxel 80 mg/m weekly for 12 weeks. Eligible patients were randomized to either the low dose group; 1200 mg daily NAC, the high dose group; 1200 mg NAC twice daily or the control group; received paclitaxel only.