Can Peptides Like Liraglutide and Oxytocin Protect Nerves From Chemotherapy Damage?

Among the novel agents studied in animal models, liraglutide showed neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects against vincristine-induced nerve damage. Oxytocin demonstrated analgesic properties. Other promising candidates included ulinastatin (enzyme inhibitor), aripiprazole (antipsychotic), anakinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), and thioctic acid (antioxidant). All work through different mechanisms including reducing inflammation, protecting nerve integrity, and modulating pain pathways.

Narrative review consolidating preclinical (animal model) studies from the past decade on pharmacological interventions for vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy. Focuses on mechanism of action and analgesic efficacy in rodent models.

Most patients receiving cumulative vincristine doses above 4 mg/m² develop neuropathy, often forcing dose reductions or treatment discontinuation. Currently there are few effective treatments. Identifying peptide-based neuroprotectants could preserve both nerve function and cancer treatment efficacy.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide are increasingly recognized for neuroprotective effects beyond their metabolic role. If these preclinical findings translate to humans, peptide therapies could become part of supportive care during chemotherapy.

All findings are from animal models — no human clinical trial data exists for these agents in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Animal models of neuropathic pain may not fully replicate human experience. The review is narrative rather than systematic, introducing potential selection bias in which studies were included.