Adapted Argentine tango for chemo-related nerve damage in breast cancer survivors

Dance-based Avenues to Advance Nonpharmacologic treatment of Chemotherapy Effects (DAANCE): a multicenter trial

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11195069

Adapted Argentine tango classes are offered to breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-related nerve damage to improve balance, reduce pain, and boost quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11195069 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would join partnered, adapted Argentine tango dance classes that use rhythmic music and guided movement to train balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. This multicenter Phase II randomized trial plans to enroll about 140 breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and compare tango classes to a control condition over the study period. Study staff will collect measures such as walking and dual-task performance, patient-reported sensation and pain, falls, and quality of life, and caregivers can be included to support participation. The program builds on earlier work showing tango is feasible for older survivors and linked with improvements in neurosensorimotor problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy who can stand and walk safely (with or without assistance) and are medically cleared for moderate-intensity, in-person physical activity.

Not a fit: People with severe immobility or medical conditions that prevent safe participation in standing exercise, or those unable to attend in-person sessions, may not benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve walking and balance, lessen neuropathy symptoms and pain, reduce fall risk, and improve survivors' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Earlier small studies by these investigators showed tango to be feasible and linked with improvements in neurosensorimotor deficits among older survivors, but large randomized evidence is still limited.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.