CompletedNot Applicable

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Could Physical Therapy Help Treat Symptoms?

Canada61 participantsStarted 2014-12-01

Plain-language summary

The cause of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is still unknown. An estimated 55-60% of patients will experience lasting symptoms affecting function for years post-treatment. Physical therapy is an established, effective treatment for entrapped nerves and neuropathic pain. This study sought to identify additional risk factors and provide evidence for the role of physical therapy in the treatment of CIPN.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer undergoing regular docetaxel treatment either docetaxel-cyclophosphamide (TC) or 5FU-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide-docetaxel (FEC-D). * Patients that have not had chemotherapy in the past and do not have identified risk factors (listed below in the exclusion criteria). * All patients must be able to communicate in english or be able to have a translator present at all appointments. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer or who have co-morbid conditions that are known to cause peripheral neuropathic symptoms, including previous chemotherapy, exposure to toxins (such as lead), Diabetes, Shingles, B12 deficiency, Alcoholism, Lyme disease, Syphilis, HIV, Hereditary disorders such as Charcot-Marie Tooth. * Patients not planned to receive Docetaxel therapy. * Patients who cannot communicate in English and unable to bring an interpreter will also be excluded.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Percentage of Participants With 'Pain' or 'no Pain' as Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Timeframe: Regression models of pain reported over time (mid-docetaxel chemotherapy- 6 months post-chemotherapy). Mid-chemotherapy time frame participants were re-assessed after the 2 round of TC and 4th round of FECD.

Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)

Timeframe: administered on each re-assessment (pre-chemotherapy, mid-way through docetaxel chemotherapy, end of chemotherapy, 6 months post-chemotherapy) and mixed models accounted for all time points

Percentage of Participants With Neuropathic Pain Defined by the Self Report Version of Leeds Assessment for Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS).

Timeframe: administered on each re-assessment (Visit 1 - pre-chemotherapy, Visit 2 - half-way through chemotherapy, Visit 3 - end of chemotherapy, Visit 4 - 3 months post-chemotherapy) and mixed models accounted for all time points

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02239601

SponsorCancerCare Manitoba

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-11-01

Results submitted2018-06-02

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