Tango for Neuropathy

(DAANCE Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, PhD, MFA, CMES

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Vestibular dysfunction, Poorly controlled diabetes, Non-ambulatory, Hearing impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

140 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a unique treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in breast cancer survivors. The focus is on using Adapted Argentine Tango, a type of dance, to improve balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Participants will either receive usual care or join an eight-week tango intervention. Ideal candidates have completed taxane-based chemotherapy at least three months ago and experience neuropathy symptoms affecting daily balance and mobility. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It mainly focuses on your ability to participate in the tango intervention and any contraindications for physical activity.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for breast cancer survivors with neuropathy?

Studies have shown that adapted Argentine tango dance therapy helps some breast cancer survivors regain balance and sensation in their bodies. This is crucial because many experience nerve damage after chemotherapy. Early findings suggest that even a 20-minute tango session can be beneficial.

Research indicates that this dance therapy is both feasible and safe for cancer survivors, potentially improving balance and coordination. No reports of serious side effects have emerged, and participants generally tolerate the treatment well.

Since this trial is in a mid-phase, earlier safety tests have been successful, with no major safety concerns identified so far. However, consulting a healthcare professional before joining a trial is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment for neuropathy?

Researchers are excited about tango as a treatment for neuropathy because it offers a unique approach that combines physical activity with social interaction. Unlike standard treatments such as medications and physical therapy, adapted Argentine tango focuses on improving balance, coordination, and mood through dance, which can enhance both physical and mental well-being. This treatment is particularly appealing because it provides a low-cost, enjoyable alternative that encourages consistent participation and offers potential benefits beyond traditional care.

What evidence suggests that Adapted Argentine Tango might be an effective treatment for neuropathy?

Studies have shown that adapted Argentine tango can help breast cancer survivors manage nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. Some participants in this trial will engage in partnered, adapted tango dance sessions, which research suggests can improve balance, an important factor in preventing falls. Early findings indicate that even a 20-minute tango session can start to ease symptoms. This dance therapy combines exercise with mindful movement and social interaction, proving more effective than exercise alone. Meanwhile, other participants will initially receive usual care before having the option to crossover to the tango dance intervention. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lise B Worthen-Chaudhari, PhD, MFA, CMES

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University

Maryam B Lustberg, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for breast cancer survivors who finished taxane-based chemotherapy at least 3 months ago, are experiencing neuropathy symptoms, and have a risk of falling. They must be able to follow study instructions. People with vestibular dysfunction, severe diabetes, hearing loss, or unstable medical conditions that prevent physical activity cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

My breast cancer is at any stage from I to IV, including if it has spread.

Able to understand and comply with directions associated with testing and study treatments

I am experiencing symptoms of nerve pain or damage from chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria

Pre-existing vestibular dysfunction

My doctor says I can't join in the exercise study due to another health issue.

I have severe hearing loss in both ears.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Control

Participants receive 4 weeks of usual care followed by optional 1-way crossover to 8 weeks of partnered, adapted tango dance

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Experimental

Participants receive 8 weeks of partnered, adapted tango dance

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

3 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Adapted Argentine Tango

Trial Overview The DAANCE trial is testing Adapted Argentine Tango as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in breast cancer survivors. It aims to improve motor control and reduce symptoms while encouraging participation in the therapy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

8 weeks of intervention (partnered, adapted tango dance)

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

4 weeks of usual care followed by optional 1-way crossover to 8 weeks of Intervention (partnered, adapted tango dance)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

350

Recruited

295,000+

Emory University

Collaborator

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Yale University

Collaborator

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Citations

1. ecancer.org ecancer.org/en/news/26331-researchers-explore-adapted-argentine-dance-therapy-for-cancer-survivors-at-ohio-state

Researchers explore adapted Argentine dance therapy for ... Adapted Argentine tango dance therapy is helping some breast cancer survivors regain natural balance and sensation after experiencing neuropathy.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003318309495

Partnered, adapted argentine tango dance for cancer ... Tango may improve postural control among cancer survivors with deficits. •. Enrolling with a companion was associated with higher attendance. Abstract ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10472642/

Biomechanical effect of neurologic dance training (NDT) for ... The scientific premise of this study is that NDT-Tango stands to achieve more gains than PA practice alone through combining PA with MBM and social engagement.

4. dispatch.com dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/kindness/2025/05/18/osu-research-explores-link-between-dance-and-neuropathy-treatment/83373395007/

Dance therapy research for cancer survivors extended 5 ... ... Argentine tango helps breast cancer survivors recover from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Early findings suggest a 20-minute tango session ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06749210

DAANCE FOR CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NEUROPATHY This study will investigate a noninvasive, social, sensorimotor intervention which targets motor control restoration, symptom alleviation, and treatment ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05114005

Tango for Neuropathy Among Breast Cancer Survivors The intervention will consist of 16 Argentine Tango (Tango) sessions, adapted for neurorehabilitation per Hackney and Earhart (2010). Delivered over 8 weeks at ...

7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40671809/

Study protocol for a multi-center, randomized controlled trial The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effect of Adapted Argentine Tango (Tango) as a potential treatment for CIN.