Colorectal Cancer News

New Breakthrough for CRC Hypersensitivity to Cold

Hypersensitivity to cold is a common side effect for colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. It affects 95% of those receiving oxaliplatin in varying degrees.

A new study by Emmanuel Bourinet, senior researcher at the CNRS Institute of Functional Genomics (CNRS/ Inserm/ University of Montpellier, France) shows a potential new source for alleviating this side effect: a molecule called ivabradine, which is already used to treat angina.

In this study, mice were treated with oxaliplatin. Scientists then examined the sensory neurons of the mice and were able to highlight a difference in the ion channels regulating the electronic currents carrying information. They noted that mice treated with the oxaliplatin had fewer inhibitory channels and more excitatory channels than normal mice.

Using an inhibitory molecule called ivabradine, the team was able to restore the excitatory channels to normal functioning levels without affecting other channels such as touch.

Results from this study published in the EMBO Molecular Medicine journal on 23 March.

References:
Research News. Making hypersensitivity to cold a thing of the past in colorectal cancer treatment. PhysOrg.com. 2011 April 4.

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