12‑week virtual Tai Chi program for chemotherapy-related nerve damage and balance problems
Feasibility Testing of a Tai Chi Program for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment (TCT)
This program will test whether a 12-week virtual Tai Chi course can help cancer survivors who have balance problems from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 21 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | trastuzumab, pertuzumab, chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06807294 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot that tests a 12-week virtual Tai Chi program in cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) who report balance difficulties. About 21 participants will be randomized to immediate Tai Chi or a waitlist, with procedures including eligibility screening, questionnaires, sensory testing, and functional balance assessments. The intervention combines gentle movement, breathing, and meditation delivered virtually, and participants must attend two in-person visits at Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute (baseline and week 12). The primary focus is feasibility and acceptability of the virtual program rather than definitive efficacy outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who are cancer survivors with no active disease, completed neurotoxic chemotherapy at least three months earlier, have CIPN with self-perceived balance problems or fear of falling, have ECOG performance status ≤2, and can participate in virtual sessions and two visits to Dana‑Farber.
Not a fit: People with active cancer, recent chemotherapy, severe mobility limitations, inability to join virtual sessions, or who cannot travel to Boston for the required visits may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a convenient at-home exercise option to improve balance and lessen neuropathy-related symptoms for cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show Tai Chi can improve balance and reduce pain in older adults and some cancer populations, but its specific effects on CIPN have only been preliminarily explored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years old and older * Cancer survivors with no evidence of disease (cancer); * Completed neurotoxic chemotherapy, i.e., platinum agents, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib, at least three months before enrollment; * A CIPN diagnosis based on symptom history, loss of deep tendon reflexes, or presence of symmetrical stocking-glove pain, numbness, or paresthesia; * Answers "yes" to the following question: "Do you feel as though your balance is affected from experiencing CIPN?" or "Are you afraid of falling as a result of your CIPN?"; * On a stable regimen (no change in past three months) if taking anti-neuropathy or other pain medications; * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status Scale score ≤ 2 * Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to the Tai Chi or waitlist group, 2 in-person visits to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) (one within 2 weeks of enrollment and one at week 12); * Willing to adhere to requirement that no new pain medication be taken throughout the study period; and * Individuals receiving endocrine therapy or targeted/antibody therapy, such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, or immunotherapy, will be eligible to participate. Exclusion Criteria: • Patients who have received physical therapy or Tai Chi training, specifically for CIPN, in the past three months.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ting Bao, MD — Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Ting Bao, MD
- Email: ting_bao@dfci.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-215-2844
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.