Managing pain and improving quality of life are critical parts of navigating a cancer journey; pain is one of the most common, disabling, and feared symptoms experienced by people with cancer.
Palmitoylethanolamide, commonly referred to as PEA, is emerging as a non-pharmaceutical, safe option that may help relieve cancer-related pain, particularly nerve pain caused by chemotherapy.
What Is PEA?
PEA is a fatty acid your body produces in response to stress or injury. It works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. First discovered in the 1950s in foods like egg yolks and peanuts, researchers later found it plays an important role in the body’s own healing processes.
PEA has been studied for a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and nerve pain. What makes it unique is, because it’s a compound your body already makes, PEA often doesn’t come with many of the side effects linked to traditional pain medications.
How Does PEA Work?
PEA interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of chemical messengers that helps regulate bodily functions including pain, mood, appetite, and inflammation. Instead of binding directly to cannabinoid receptors (like some other compounds), PEA enhances the system’s overall function. It also works on other pathways to help relieve pain and inflammation.
What sets PEA apart is its low risk of drug interactions and side effects like drowsiness or mental fog, making it a promising option for those already on multiple treatments.
PEA and Cancer-Related Pain Relief
Research shows that PEA can be particularly helpful for cancer patients dealing with nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. In one study, breast and colon cancer patients taking a PEA-based supplement experienced reduced pain and better quality of life. Some even noticed improvements in digestive symptoms like nausea and constipation.
More importantly, these benefits often lasted beyond the treatment period, offering hope for long-term relief. Patients with more severe nerve pain at the start of the study seemed to experience the greatest improvement.
Why Consider PEA?
For those seeking a non-pharmaceutical, gentle ways to manage cancer-related pain, PEA offers a compelling option. It works with your body, often with fewer side effects compared with many pain medications, and has a low risk of interfering with other treatments.
If you’re struggling with pain or inflammation during your cancer journey, PEA may be worth exploring as part of your care plan. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Author: Simone Stein, CCNM Integrative Cancer Clinic Intern
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified professional before making any healthcare decisions or taking any actions based on the information presented here.
Sources:
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Gabrielsson L, Mattsson S, Fowler CJ. Palmitoylethanolamide for the treatment of pain: pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016;82(4):932-942. doi:10.1111/bcp.13020
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Clayton P, Hill M, Bogoda N, Subah S, Venkatesh R. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(10):5305. Published 2021 May 18. doi:10.3390/ijms22105305
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Zaiss M, Uhlig J, Zahn MO, et al. Improving Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Breast or Colon Cancer after End of (Neo)adjuvant Therapy: Results from the Observational Study STEFANO. Oncol Res Treat. 2021;44(11):613-621. doi:10.1159/000519000