Prevention of Oxaliplatin-induced Nerve Damage in the Body's Extremities

The primary objective of the present study is to examine if a high dosage of n-3 PUFA reduces the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) 8 months after adjuvant oxaliplatin following surgery for high-risk colorectal cancer.

An additional aim is to investigate whether n-3 PUFAs have an effect on nutritional status, cognition and mental status. Inflammatory mechanisms and biomarkers of CIPN in skin biopsies and in blood will be explored.

Inclusion criteria

• Histopathologically verified adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum and planned standard adjuvant treatment with capecitabine in combination with oxaliplatin.
• ECOG performance status 0-2 (measurement of a patient's function in terms of self-care, daily activity and physical ability.
• Written and orally informed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to speak, read, and understand Danish.
• Previous treatment with neurotoxic chemotherapy.
• Neurological (including neuropathy) or psychiatric disorders, diabetes or other significant medical conditions.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Sensory disturbances in the feet
• Spinal stenosis.
• Vascular disease (Fontaine grade II or more).
• Known allergy to fish, fish oil or corn oil
• Fertile patients not willing to use effective methods of contraception during treatment or abstinence.
• Daily intake of oil supplements and not willing to stop during the trial period.
• Lack of consent to skin biopsy