Finding an Effective Dose of GM1 to Reduce or Prevent Neuropathy (Numbness or Weakness) Due to Treatment With Paclitaxel (Phase II)

This phase II trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) and whether it works in reducing or preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in patients with breast cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) who are receiving treatment with paclitaxel. Chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Exposure to chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel may cause a side effect called CIPN, which is a condition of weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage (usually in the hands and feet). GM1 is a part of the body's natural system that insulates nerves and helps to protect nerves from damage. Giving GM1 may help reduce or prevent CIPN in breast cancer patients receiving treatment with paclitaxel.

Inclusion Criteria:Documentation of disease: Histologic diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in women or menPrior treatment- No previous exposure to GM1Planned administration of paclitaxel, either given weekly, or weekly 3 weeks on/1 week off, to patients with metastatic cancer at a dose of 80 mg/m^2No planned treatment with concurrent immunotherapyScore of 1 (none) and/or 2 (a little) on the six individual European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life questionnaire (QLQ)- chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)20 questions that quantify numbness (N), tingling (T), and pain in the fingers/hands and toes/feet (Items #31-36)No diagnosis of fibromyalgiaNo history of significant respiratory tract infection and/or infectious diarrhea within 14 days before registrationNo history of stroke or cerebrovascular accident in the past 6 months prior to registrationNo history of diagnosed neurologic or psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy or dementiaFor women of childbearing potential, not pregnant and not nursing, because this study involves an investigational agent whose genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects on the developing fetus and newborn are unknown.Therefore, for women of childbearing potential, a negative pregnancy test done =< 7 days prior to registration is required. Of note, a female of childbearing potential is a sexually mature female who: 1) has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy; or 2) has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 12 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months)Ability to complete questionnaires by themselves or with assistanceIn order to complete the mandatory patient-completed measures, participants must be able to speak and/or read English and/or SpanishPersons with impaired decision making such that they cannot understand the benefits or risks of trial participation, per the judgement of the consenting clinician, will not be eligibleAge >= 18 yearsEastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >= 1,000/mm^3Platelet count >= 100,000/mm^3Creatinine =< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) =< 2.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)Total bilirubin =< 1.5 x ULNNo planned use of duloxetineNo planned use of cryotherapy, compression therapy, or cryocompression therapy at study entryExclusion Criteria:N/A