Exercise for Neuropathic Pain from Chemotherapy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different types of exercise can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, which is often long-lasting and difficult to treat. Participants will engage in either aerobic exercises, such as running or cycling, or resistive training, like weightlifting, to determine which is most effective. Individuals who have had cancer, completed specific chemotherapy treatments 6 months to a year ago, and can walk on a treadmill may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise can alleviate chemotherapy-induced nerve pain.
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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these exercise interventions are safe for managing neuropathic pain?
Research has shown that exercise can help manage nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Studies have found that aerobic exercises, such as regular walking or cycling, can improve symptoms for people with this condition. Participants who engaged in aerobic exercise reported less nerve pain.
For strength training, including exercises like lifting weights, studies also found it helps with CIPN symptoms. Importantly, these studies noted no negative side effects, making strength training a safe option. Participants followed the program well, suggesting it is manageable for most people.
Both types of exercise are well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported, indicating they are generally safe for people considering joining a trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using aerobic exercise and resistive training to tackle neuropathic pain from chemotherapy because these approaches offer a non-pharmaceutical option, which means fewer side effects compared to typical pain medications like opioids or anticonvulsants. Unlike standard treatments that mainly focus on managing pain symptoms, these exercise interventions aim to improve overall physical function and potentially address the root causes of pain by enhancing nerve health and circulation. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise could lead to broader health benefits, such as improved mood and increased energy levels, making it a holistic approach to managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for neuropathic pain from chemotherapy?
Research has shown that exercise can help reduce symptoms of nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This trial will evaluate different exercise interventions. Participants in the aerobic exercise arm will engage in activities like walking or cycling, which have been found to lessen these symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. Another arm will focus on resistive training, as some studies suggest that combining aerobic exercises with strength training can help ease nerve pain. However, a review of multiple studies found that exercise alone did not significantly improve CIPN symptoms. Despite these mixed results, exercise remains a promising option for managing CIPN.34678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alice Ryan, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for cancer survivors aged 21-70 who finished chemotherapy between 6 months and a year ago, can walk on a treadmill, and have neuropathic pain from the treatment. They must not be regular exercisers or have other types of neuropathy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo aerobic or resistive training exercise interventions for 12 weeks, 3 times weekly with training on site
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- aerobic exercise intervention
- control group
- resistive training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Lead Sponsor