Researchers have found that neuromuscular training can significantly reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) by 50 to 70 percent. CIPN is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can cause chronic pain and balance issues, disrupting therapy. There is currently no direct pharmacological treatment for CIPN, making the findings of this study an exciting development in the field. This method is relatively easy and has no significant associated costs, offering promising prospects for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
In a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, scientists conducted a randomized trial involving 158 individuals undergoing chemotherapy with oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids. These drugs can cause pain, numbness, and balance issues in up to 90 percent of users, with about half experiencing these symptoms chronically. The participants were divided into three groups: sensorimotor training (SMT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and treatment as usual (TAU). Over a five-year period, it was observed that the control group (TAU) developed CIPN nearly twice as often as those in the exercise groups. People in the exercise groups showed improvements in quality of life, reduced mortality rates, and a decreased need to adjust medication due to the impact of CIPN.
The study’s findings highlight an affordable and accessible method to address CIPN, which lacks available pharmacological remedies. CIPN can lead to treatment disruptions, causing additional complications for cancer patients. Dr. Diana Garrett, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, notes the increasing recognition of exercise’s benefits for cancer patients, with numerous studies demonstrating its positive impact on cancer risk, mortality, and recurrence rates. Dr. Melinda Irwin, deputy director of Yale Cancer Center, emphasizes the practice-changing implications of the study, praising the ease of implementing physical activity to combat CIPN.
Dr. Irwin mentions that there is a growing body of research supporting the use of exercise to treat CIPN, with this particular study being the first to examine its preventative effects. The relatively low cost and minimal time commitment needed for exercises offer significant advantages for individuals dealing with CIPN. Dr. Garrett recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise, preferably activities that patients enjoy to promote adherence. Dr. Irwin suggests that the intervention could easily be incorporated into clinical practice or implemented as a home-based program due to its low intensity, short duration, and minimal side effects.
The study’s results suggest that sensorimotor training and whole-body vibration training can significantly reduce the onset of CIPN by 50 to 70 percent with just twice-weekly sessions lasting 15-30 minutes each. The positive impact of exercise on various organ systems, including the cardiovascular and immune systems, contributes to the potential benefits of reducing CIPN. While further research is needed to replicate these findings and explore home-based exercise programs, the results are considered groundbreaking and should be integrated into oncology care practices. The cost-effectiveness and convenience of this approach make it a promising solution for individuals experiencing CIPN during cancer treatment.
