Neurotransmitter training has been found to significantly reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) by 50 to 70 percent. This side effect of chemotherapy can cause chronic pain, balance issues, and interrupt therapy. While there is no direct pharmacological treatment for CIPN, experts are excited about the results of this study and consider it to be a significant step forward in treating the condition, especially since it is an easy process with low costs.
People undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment often experience CIPN, which can have negative effects on treatment, quality of life, and survival rates. Researchers at the University of Basel and the German Sport University Cologne conducted a study that showed that neuromuscular training can reduce the occurrence of CIPN significantly and even improve survival rates by making patients more resilient to their therapy. The study involved 158 participants taking cancer therapies known to cause CIPN, such as oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids.
The participants were divided into three groups: sensorimotor training (SMT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and standard treatment as usual (TAU). Over a five-year period, the researchers found that the control group developed CIPN nearly twice as much as those in the exercise groups. Participants in the SMT and WBV groups had better quality of life, lower mortality rates, and less need to adjust their medication due to CIPN symptoms. This easy and affordable method of treating CIPN is especially beneficial since there is currently no pharmacological remedy for the condition.
Dr. Diana Garrett, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, also highlighted the growing acceptance of exercise as a valuable tool in cancer survivorship. Physical activity has been linked to a reduced overall cancer risk, mortality rate, and cancer recurrence. The study supports previous research showing the use of exercise to reduce the risk of developing CIPN, and it could pave the way for further studies exploring exercise as a preventive measure for specific cancers and chemotherapy drugs.
Dr. Melinda Irwin, deputy director of Yale Cancer Center, emphasized the practice-changing results of the study. She noted how easy it can be to implement physical activity as a preventive measure for CIPN, which lacks pharmacological treatments. The study found that just two weekly sessions of 15-30 minutes each were enough to significantly decrease the onset of CIPN by 50% to 70%. The low cost and convenience of this exercise intervention make it a promising option for people experiencing CIPN, with minimal side effects.
Overall, this study underscores the importance of exercise in cancer care, particularly for mitigating the effects of CIPN. As more research is conducted to replicate these findings and explore home-based exercise programs, the potential for incorporating exercise interventions into oncology care is promising. This study opens new doors for improving the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients experiencing CIPN, offering a cost-effective, safe, and relatively easy way to combat this challenging side effect of chemotherapy.
