Prophylactic gabapentin during head and neck cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Loren E Smith; Barbara A Murphy; Derek K Smith

doi:10.1007/s00520-023-07683-w

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Prophylactic gabapentin during head and neck cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Prophylactic gabapentin during head and neck cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Loren E Smith, Barbara A Murphy and Derek K Smith

Supportive care in cancer, Vol.31(4), p.221

04/01/2023

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07683-w

PMCID: PMC10023599

PMID: 36930339

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-07683-wView

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Abstract

This review was designed to compile the currently available evidence on the prophylactic use of gabapentin in the head and neck cancer patient population. A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify articles related to the use of prophylactic gabapentin in patients undergoing head and neck cancer therapy. Candidate studies were screened for inclusion and a subsequent bias assessment was conducted by multiple reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted in cases in which the studies used compatible outcome measures. Ten studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for bias. Among the four small studies that examined pain prevention, 2 were positive and 2 were inconclusive. Three of the four studies examiniRDng opioid use noted less need for opioids in the treatment arm. Meta-analysis of the pertinent studies showed no difference in feeding tube placement (RD = 0.64%, 95%CI: (- 25.8%, 27.1%), p = 0.962) but substantially less weight loss among those in the treatment arm (p = 0.047). Prophylactic gabapentin appears to be a promising treatment option for preventing pain, reducing opioids, and reducing weight loss in patients undergoing head and neck cancer therapy. However, the studies on the treatment to date are small and several have a substantial risk of bias.

Amines - therapeutic use

Analgesics

Analgesics, Opioid - therapeutic use

Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids - therapeutic use

Gabapentin - therapeutic use

gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - therapeutic use

Head and Neck Neoplasms - drug therapy

Humans

Pain - drug therapy

Weight Loss

Details

Title: Subtitle: Prophylactic gabapentin during head and neck cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Creators: Loren E Smith - Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Barbara A Murphy - Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Derek K Smith - American Dental Association
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Supportive care in cancer, Vol.31(4), p.221
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07683-w
PMID: 36930339
PMCID: PMC10023599
NLM abbreviation: Support Care Cancer
ISSN: 0941-4355
eISSN: 1433-7339
Grant note: K23GM134482 / NIH HHS K23 GM134482 / NIGMS NIH HHS K23DE028010 / NIH HHS K23 DE028010 / NIDCR NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 04/01/2023
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry; Anesthesia; Dental Research
Record Identifier: 9984949263502771

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