Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

L-Glutathione has been studied for its potential to reduce the side effects associated with certain chemotherapy agents, particularly cisplatin and oxaliplatin, which are known to cause neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Several clinical trials and systematic reviews suggest that intravenous glutathione administration may help protect against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and kidney damage without reducing the antitumor efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents. The proposed mechanisms involve glutathione’s function as a potent intracellular antioxidant, which helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and detoxify harmful metabolites generated during chemotherapy.

A 2016 meta-analysis published in Oncotarget reviewed randomized controlled trials and found that glutathione significantly reduced the incidence and severity of neurotoxicity in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Other studies indicate a reduction in nephrotoxicity, particularly with cisplatin. However, not all studies are uniformly positive—some are limited by small sample sizes, differences in dosing regimens, and methodological flaws. Further, while intravenous glutathione has demonstrated benefits, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of oral glutathione supplements for this indication, due to poor bioavailability.

Overall, while current evidence supports the use of IV glutathione as an adjunct in certain chemotherapy regimens to reduce specific toxicities, more robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety across broader populations.

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