Vit D3 and Omega 3 in Chemo Induced Neuropathy

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mammalian Omega 3 With Vitamin D3 in Patients at Risk of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether administration of mammalian Omega 3 FA(fatty acid) with Vitamin D3 supplements would lower or prevent the risk of neuropathy due to chemotherapy.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of mammalian oil Omega 3 FA with Vitamin D3 supplementation on resolution or prevention of Taxanes or Platinum induced peripheral neuropathy compared with placebo. Patients will be allocated to receive the Omega 3 FA & Vitamin D3 supplements or placebo for 6 months. Approximately 600 patients in total will be enrolled in the 2 study arms. The evaluation of neuropathy will be accomplished by electromyography (EMG), Total neuropathy score(TNS), Brief pain inventory (BFI) and the 11-item FACT/GOG-Ntx, version 4 questionnaire (a subscale validated to assess neuropathy due to chemotherapy). In addition, other validated functional measures such as "Time to button a six hole shirt" and "50 ft walk speed test" will be used to test patients physical limitations imposed by peripheral neuropathy. All our patients will undergo an EMG at their first visit, in 3 months and after 6months. Previously mentioned functional measures will also be completed at the patients' first visit, in 3 months and after 6 months.

A ineffective placebo drug with the same taste, route of administration and physical appearance as the study drug (omega 3/Vit D 3) that has received approval by health Canada.

patients will be allocated randomly to receive Sub-lingual Omega 3 FA and Vitamin D3 supplements for 6 months, twice daily ,1/2 tea spoon with instructions to keep it under the tongue for 45 sec.

A mammalian oil derived Omega 3 FA that is a further concentrated and purified supplement as compared to the regular fish oil derived Omega 3 FA supplement.

Inclusion Criteria: Will be receiving chemotherapy(Platinums and/or Taxanes) in the following 2 weeks. Histologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer ECOG 0 to 2 Exclusion Criteria: Prior chemotherapy treatment Pre-existing peripheral PN due to DM,HIV, alcohol abuse, thyroid dysfunction and hereditary PN associated disorders. Taking any nutritional supplement( fish oil, vitamins and minerals) at least there months before enrollment.