Report: Drug Reduces Painful Chemo Side Effect
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is no doubt that chemotherapy is a necessary and effective way to treat cancer but certain types of chemotherapy can damage nerves, leaving patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy which is best described as a chronic electricity-like pain of the extremities.
But last week a report showed that a medication used for depression and anxiety can be effective in treating chemotherapy-induced pain. The drug is called duloxetine or Cymbalta and it is being used at the present time for peripheral neuropathy.
This is an example of research that has led to a way to make effective treatment more tolerable.
