CIPN in Adjuvant Breast Cancer Patients

Female breast cancer patients receiving weekly paclitaxel-based chemotherapy are at risk of developing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which may negatively affect quality of life and lead to treatment modifications or discontinuation. The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether acral cryotherapy during chemotherapy administration can reduce the incidence and severity of CIPN. Participants receiving cryotherapy will be compared with participants receiving standard care without cryotherapy. During chemotherapy treatment and throughout the first year of follow-up, all participants will undergo serial evaluations of peripheral nerve function, including neurological examinations, nerve conduction studies, patient-reported quality-of-life questionnaires, and blood tests. In addition to routine laboratory testing, extra blood samples will be collected at two time points to assess biomarkers of nerve damage.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of treatment with taxanes and platinum-based drugs, significantly impacting the quality of life of oncology patients. Symptoms such as reduced sensitivity and pain may persist even after treatment ends. Research has shown that compression therapy using gloves and stockings effectively reduces the incidence of CIPN, improves patient adherence to treatment, and has no severe side effects. A study at the Chemotherapy Unit of the Comprehensive Oncology Care Clinic, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, will investigate the efficacy of this therapy. Tight-fitting gloves and compression stockings will be used to limit the flow of cytotoxic agents to peripheral areas. Effectiveness will be assessed through quality-of-life questionnaires, hand strength and coordination tests, and laboratory analyses to identify predictive markers of neuropathy. The study aims to enhance CIPN prevention and integrate this method into clinical practice.