This original research article investigates the relationship between nutritional status and oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in colorectal cancer patients using serum metabolomics analysis. The study analyzed 219 colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and explored how malnutrition influences chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity. Patients were categorized according to Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) scores into malnourished and well-nourished groups.
The findings revealed that malnourished patients experienced significantly higher rates of OIPN, along with lower albumin and hemoglobin levels. Through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic profiling, researchers identified major alterations in amino acid metabolism, particularly within the arginine biosynthesis pathway. The study found that metabolites such as L-arginine, ornithine, glutamine, and spermidine were significantly altered in patients with neuropathy, suggesting that nutritional status directly influences metabolic pathways associated with chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
Amino acids and their derivatives emerged as the most significantly affected metabolite group, highlighting the important role of nutrient metabolism in cancer treatment toxicity. The research further suggests that malnutrition may impair the body’s metabolic adaptability and reduce its capacity to counteract neurotoxic stress during chemotherapy. The article emphasizes the potential for precision nutritional interventions targeting amino acid and metabolic pathways to reduce chemotherapy-related complications and improve treatment tolerance in colorectal cancer patients.
The authors conclude that integrating nutritional assessment with metabolomic profiling could support the development of personalized nutritional strategies for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study also highlights the need for larger longitudinal studies to validate whether targeted nutritional support can effectively prevent or mitigate oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Resource type:
Peer review