The Effect of Vitamin E on Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Clinical Trial Study

Background Cisplatin is a common platinum based chemotherapy drug that is commonly used for the treatment of the solid tumors. It is believed that this drug has nephrotoxic effects due to its oxidative action. Therefore, it is believed antioxidant agents such as vitamin E can prevent this nephrotoxic effect; however, the human studies are not sufficient. We aimed to assess the effect of vitamin E against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods In a randomized controlled trial, the patients were grouped into two control and target group. Both groups should receive cisplatin with a dose of 50 mg/m2 as single dose or in 3 to 5 divided doses. The target group received 400 IU of vitamin E daily until two days after discontinuing cisplatin and the control group received only cisplatin. Patients’ serum urea, creatinine, and Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels were measured and compared between the two study groups and in a before-after manner. Results Totally, 29 patients were grouped into 17 controls and 12 patients in target group. The KIM-1biomarker was statistically higher in control group at the end of study (p=0.040). When assessing the before-after results, KIM-1 biomarker showed a significant decrease (1.10±0.32 pg/mL to 0.71±0.09 pg/mL; p<0.05). Conclusion Based on the results, it seems vitamin E can help to protect kidney against cisplatin toxicity; however, further clinical trials are needed to support our findings.