[Electrotherapy and sensory re-education as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy].

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is the main complication in cancer survivors, causing pain and other sensory alterations. Electrotherapy with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological resource for pain management, which consists of superficial application of alternate electrical current with cutaneous electrodes; being a safe, economical and portable alternative.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the effect of TENS on neuropathic pain and other sensory symptoms caused by CIPN secondary to platinum in patients with colon or rectal cancer.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

a quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 10 rehabilitation sessions with TENS and sensory re-education to the patient group. Evaluations of neuropathic pain; superficial, deep and painful sensory alterations and single leg balance with eyes open and closed were performed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

14 patients were recruited, all treated with platinum-based agents. Improvements were found in neuropathic pain (p < 0.001), sensory alterations (p < 0.001) and single leg balance with eyes open (p < 0.001) and closed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

rehabilitation with TENS and sensory re-education in patients with CIPN secondary to platinum-based agents significantly reduced neuropathic pain, sensory alterations (superficial, deep and painful) and improved single leg balance time with eyes open and closed.