Topical Capsaicin Patch for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are ineffective in preventing or curing the condition, and existing methods fail to promote nerve regeneration, leading to persistent pain and quality of life impairment in cancer patients.

Innovation Solution

Administering high doses of capsaicin or capsaicinoids topically after chemotherapy is completed to induce nerve fiber regeneration and restore normal nerve function, using a cutaneous patch containing 500 to 700 μg of capsaicin or capsaicinoids per cm², which overstimulates and 'prunes' abnormal nerve terminals, stimulating their regeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cancer chemotherapy is administered to treat cancer, then cancer is treated, but chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) develops causing pain and nerve damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer treatment effectivenessVSAvoidperipheral neuropathy and nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering topical capsaicin after chemotherapy completion but before nerve damage becomes irreversible. This timing allows the chemotherapy to complete its cancer-fighting function first, then immediately addresses the emerging neuropathy symptoms before they progress to severe permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Capsaicin acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the harmful effects of chemotherapy and the nervous system. It binds to TRPV1 receptors on nerve terminals, modulating pain signal transmission and preventing chemotherapy-induced nerve damage progression without interfering with cancer treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing treatments are used for CIPN, then pain management is attempted, but nerve regeneration is not promoted and condition persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain reliefVSAvoidnerve regeneration and condition resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of treatment timing from concurrent with chemotherapy to post-chemotherapy administration. It also changes the concentration parameter by using high-dose capsaicin (0.075-0.15% in creams, or equivalent in patches) rather than low-dose formulations, which promotes actual nerve regeneration rather than merely masking symptoms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful overstimulation effect of capsaicin on pain-sensitive nerve terminals into a beneficial regenerative process. The initial painful burning sensation caused by capsaicin activation of TRPV1 receptors leads to subsequent desensitization and promotion of healthy nerve fiber regeneration, transforming the harmful symptom into a therapeutic mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If capsaicin is administered during chemotherapy, then nerve function may be affected, but chemotherapy-induced abnormalities may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve functionVSAvoidchemotherapy-induced abnormalities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by waiting for chemotherapy completion before administering capsaicin. This ensures that chemotherapy-induced abnormalities have stabilized or resolved, and capsaicin is then administered to promote nerve regeneration in a controlled post-chemotherapy environment without compounding acute toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The capsaicin treatment provides significant pain relief and promotes nerve fiber regeneration, restoring nerve density and function without the risk of further chemotherapy-induced abnormalities, improving quality of life for patients with CIPN.

Implementation Method 1

administering topically to one or more areas of the skin capsaicin or a capsaicinoid or other agonists of TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTRPV1 receptor activation:

Data Source

PatentUS11234947B2Treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by cancer chemotherapy

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 IMPERIAL COLLEGE INNVOATIONS LTD

AI summary

Methods of treating peripheral neuropathy induced by cancer chemotherapy and/or of stimulating the regeneration of peripheral sensory nerve fibers, comprising administering topically to one or more areas of the skin capsaicin or a capsaicinoid or topical TRPV1 agonist, to a patient in need thereof, wherein the capsaicin or capsaicinoid or TRPV1 agonist is administered after the patient has received cancer chemotherapy, and wherein the patient is not currently receiving cancer chemotherapy. Related kits comprising capsaicin-containing cutaneous patches for use with said methods.