Comparing Methadone and Duloxetine for Treating Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy CIPN causes chronic nerve pain affecting up to 70% of cancer patients after chemotherapy. This pain impacts quality of life and daily functioning. Duloxetine is currently the only recommended medication to reduce CIPN pain, but its effect is modest. Methadone, an opioid with unique properties, may offer better pain control and less tolerance over time, but it has not yet been studied for CIPN treatment. This trial compares methadone and duloxetine for treating painful CIPN. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either methadone or duloxetine for 5 weeks. Both drugs are given in capsules that look identical to maintain blinding. Weekly visits, either in person or virtual, will assess pain and side effects, and dosages will be adjusted as needed to control pain or until the 5-week period ends. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires about their pain and how it affects their function and quality of life. Researchers will monitor side effects and adjust doses weekly. The main measure is the change in average pain intensity over 5 weeks using a standard pain inventory. Other outcomes include effects on daily function, quality of life, and medication tolerance. Participants are followed closely throughout the treatment period, which lasts about 5 weeks.

Methadone to Treat Painful Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy