Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Randomized Clinical Investigation of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for the Management of Early Peripheral Neuropathy Related to Medical Oncologic Therapy

Belgium98 participantsStarted 2026-09-01

Plain-language summary

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the common complications of cancer treatment and involves paresthesia, numbness and/or burning pain in distal limbs. This condition has a high health impact because it is associated with psychological distress, fall risk, and poor sleep quality. Furthermore, it impairs patients' daily activities and thereby decreases their quality of life. The overall incidence of CIPN is approximately 68% in the first month after chemotherapy. The available evidence for preventive and therapeutic options for CIPN is limited. Therefore, only symptom management based on pharmacological and/or physical therapy is applied with limited success. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has the potential to reduce the development of CIPN in breast cancer patients. PBM uses visible and/or (near)-infrared light at a low power produced by laser diodes or light-emitting diodes (LED) to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation and (neuropathic) pain. Additionally, research demonstrated that the use of PBM for three weeks in a curative setting reduces the CIPN symptoms, which is associated with a better QoL. According to the updated WALT 2022 recommendations it is most optimal for neuropathy patients to receive twelve PBM sessions. The aim of this project is to evaluate the role of PBM administered to patients with " de novo " early signs of Peripheral neuropathy (PN) that are supposed to be related to ongoing anti-cancer therapy.

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: * All the patients admitted for medical oncological therapy to the day care facility (Hôpital de Jour) are eligible for the protocol. * Age 18 years or above * Have no documented or observable psychiatric or neurological disorders that might interfere with study participation (e.g., dementia or psychosis) * Be able to understand the ICF and study-related questionnaires * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * severe or unstable cardio-respiratory or musculoskeletal disease * Peripheral neuropathy previous to chemotherapy * Receiving potentially neurotoxic therapies other than given for cancer treatment * Interruption of more than two consecutive laser treatments

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

severity of CIPN measured by modified Total Neurpathy Score m-TNS

Timeframe: At baseline (week 0) and at week 3 and week 6

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07681921

SponsorJules Bordet Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-09-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy trials