Massage Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether massage therapy can reduce nerve problems caused by chemotherapy, known as peripheral neuropathy. These nerve issues can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness, particularly in patients treated for gastrointestinal or breast cancer. Participants will receive massage therapy in various areas, like the legs or head, several times a week over a few weeks. This trial may suit those who have experienced nerve problems after chemotherapy with drugs like oxaliplatin, docetaxel, or paclitaxel and are at least six months past their last treatment. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore new supportive care options for improving quality of life after chemotherapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stay on a stable dose of your current medications for managing chemotherapy-induced nerve problems for at least 2 weeks before joining. This means no changes in the type of medication and only small changes in dosage are allowed.
What prior data suggests that massage therapy is safe for reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy?
Research shows that massage therapy is usually safe for patients. Studies have found that massage can help ease symptoms of chemotherapy-related nerve problems, such as pain, numbness, and tingling. Reports of serious side effects for those receiving massage therapy are very few.
One study found that cancer patients who had massage therapy felt immediate relief from nerve pain. Another study confirmed that massage therapy helped reduce symptoms without major side effects. Although massage isn't completely risk-free, serious issues are rare. Overall, massage therapy appears to be a safe option for managing nerve-related problems in cancer patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about massage therapy for peripheral neuropathy because it offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to standard treatments like medications and topical creams. Current options often focus on managing symptoms through pharmacological means, but massage therapy aims to alleviate discomfort by physically manipulating affected areas, potentially improving blood flow and reducing pain naturally. The trial explores different approaches, including head, neck, shoulder, and leg massages with varying frequencies and durations, which may help identify optimal techniques for symptom relief. This exploration could lead to personalized treatment plans that enhance patient comfort without relying on traditional painkillers.
What evidence suggests that massage therapy is effective for reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy?
Research has shown that massage therapy can ease symptoms of nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, such as pain, numbness, and tingling. In this trial, participants will join different groups receiving massage therapy. Studies found that patients who received leg massages reported less pain and better symptom relief. Similar improvements appeared in patients who had massages on their head, neck, and shoulders. Those who received massages three times a week experienced lasting benefits for up to six weeks after their treatment ended. Overall, massage therapy effectively reduces these symptoms and improves the quality of life for people undergoing chemotherapy.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gabriel Lopez
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking patients who have had gastrointestinal or breast cancer and received specific chemotherapy drugs, causing nerve problems. They must be stable on current neuropathy medications and able to visit the MD Anderson Main Campus in Texas. Pregnant women, those with low blood counts, a history of deep vein thrombosis within the last year, diabetes, or other causes of neuropathy are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo massage therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, with different protocols: thrice weekly for 4 weeks or twice weekly for 6 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Massage Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator