Novel First-In-Class Small Molecule Targeting Ape1/Ref-1 To Prevent And Treat Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (Cipn).

229Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an acute and chronic debilitating side effect of a number of chemotherapeutic agents lacking FDA-approved interventions or strategies resulting in dose-limiting neurotoxicity. CIPN can persist following discontinuation of the drug with up to 40% of patients having continued CIPN five years after treatment ends. Thus, CIPN directly affects cancer survivorship, quality of life, and may limit future treatment options if cancer recurs. Although the cellular mechanisms mediating CIPN remain to be determined, several lines of evidence support the notion that DNA damage caused by anticancer therapies could contribute to the neuropathy. Methods: Using an experimental model of isolated sensory neurons in culture, we established a causal relationship between cancer-therapy-induced neurotoxicity and DNA damage and repair. Results: Genetically reducing the activity of APE1 increased the neurotoxicity produced by platin treatment, whereas augmenting t...