Effects of an exercise program on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed breast cancer individuals receiving taxanes: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect of taxane chemotherapy in breast cancer individuals, often leading to functional impairment and reduced quality of life (QOL). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a hand-foot exercise intervention in reducing CIPN severity and improving QOL.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial included 74 breast cancer individuals undergoing taxane chemotherapy, who were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 36) or a control group (n = 38). The exercise group performed a structured hand-foot exercise program, while the control group received standard care. CIPN severity was assessed using the Total Neuropathy Score-Clinical version (TNSc) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (NTX) scores, while QOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). Assessments were conducted at four time points: post-diagnosis, after the first taxane session, midway through treatment, and within 1 month of completion. Data analysis included t-tests, chi-squared tests, and generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Significant time effects were observed for both subjective and objective CIPN symptoms, with the highest increases at the completion of taxane chemotherapy. However, no significant group effects were found for CIPN severity. QOL remained stable, with no significant time or group effects. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CIPN symptoms worsened over time, peaking at the end of chemotherapy, while the hand-foot exercise intervention had no significant impact on CIPN severity or QOL. Although the intervention did not yield significant benefits, its feasibility suggests potential for future modifications. Early, personalized, and multimodal interventions may be necessary to mitigate CIPN progression and improve patient outcomes.

CLINICAL REGISTER NUMBER: NCT05641571 (Date of registration: December 7, 2022).