5-HT3 receptor antagonists corresponding to ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, and palonosetron are clinically accustomed to treating nausea and emesis in chemotherapy patients. However, current and previous studies reveal novel potentials of those ligands in other diseases involving the nervous system, such as addiction, pruritus, and neurological disorders, such as anxiety, psychosis, nociception, and cognitive function. This review gathers existing studies to support the role of 5-HT3 receptors in CIPN modulation. It has been reported that chemotherapy drugs increase the 5-HT content that binds with the 5-HT3 receptor, which later induces pain. As also shown in pre-clinical and clinical studies that various neuropathic pains could be blocked by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, we proposed that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists via 5- HT3 receptors may also inhibit neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy. Our review suggests that future studies focus more on the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and their modulation in CIPN to reduce the gap in the current pharmacotherapy for cancer-related pain.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is often an overlooked side effect, affecting cancer patients' quality of life. Improving this requires an in-depth understanding of how patients perceived their CIPN experience, which this study had explored. This study also sought to identify potential barriers to current CIPN management among Malaysian cancer patients. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted among cancer patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of CIPN from one hospital and a local cancer organization. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was achieved (N = 22). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: manageable CIPN experiences impacting activities of daily living despite limited awareness, current conventional treatments of CIPN were partially effective with side effects, and explorative of alternative treatment options for CIPN. The study results indicated that patients experienced CIPN, which was considerably mild and impacted their life activities to a small extent. The limited information provided about CIPN contributed to a sense of uncertainty among patients. They emphasized the importance of more accessible information and education about CIPN and its management. Although the conventional management of CIPN was able to partly control symptoms, patients experienced side effects from the prescribed medications. Interestingly, patients expressed openness to explore new treatments to help them cope better with CIPN. These findings highlighted the need for a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to CIPN management. Insights from patient experiences could guide the development of educational interventions, such as patient's assessment form on CIPN experiences and awareness activities to enhance CIPN care.