The effect of local heat and cold application on the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect among breast cancer patients, leading to impaired functional capacity and diminished quality of life. Although non-pharmacological methods such as local heat and cold applications are gaining attention, their comparative efficacy has not been sufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of local heat and cold applications on CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 96 breast cancer patients who developed CIPN during taxane-based chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to heat application, cold application, or control groups. Interventions were administered following a standardized protocol throughout chemotherapy cycles. CIPN symptoms were assessed using a validated neuropathy evaluation tool before and after the intervention period.

RESULTS: The heat application group exhibited significant reductions in neuropathic symptoms, including toe numbness, finger discomfort, cold sensitivity, and difficulty with physical activity (p < 0.05). The cold application group showed moderate improvements in select sensory symptoms, though effects were less pronounced than in the heat group. Symptom severity increased over time in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Local heat application appears to be an effective non-pharmacologic approach for mitigating CIPN symptoms. Cold application provided limited symptom relief and may be useful in selected cases.