Home › Trials › NCT04888988

Effects of exercise on nerve damage from chemotherapy

Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Phase II Trial of Exercise to Treat Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Phase 2 Interventional University of Rochester · NCT04888988

This study is testing if exercise can help people with cancer who have nerve damage from chemotherapy feel better compared to just getting standard care.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations93 sites (Fresno, California and 92 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04888988 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial investigates whether exercise can effectively treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) compared to standard care. Participants with a cancer diagnosis who have experienced neurotoxic chemotherapy will be randomized into two groups: one receiving exercise interventions and the other receiving usual care. The study will assess the efficacy of exercise on CIPN symptoms through patient-reported outcomes and clinical tests. Additionally, it will explore the impact of exercise on related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with cancer who have experienced neurotoxic chemotherapy and report significant CIPN symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with physical limitations that prevent participation in exercise programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from CIPN.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for exercise as a treatment for neuropathy, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of cancer
* Have received neurotoxic chemotherapy within the past nine months (could still be on chemotherapy or have already completed chemotherapy; i.e., taxane-, platinum-, vinca alkaloid-, epothilone-, or proteasome inhibitor-based chemotherapy
* Report one or more symptoms of CIPN at a level of \>= 4 on the CIPN symptom inventory on the Screening Form
* Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-1
* Have at least six months life expectancy
* Be at least 18 years of age
* Be able to read and understand English
* Be able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have physical limitations (e.g., cardiorespiratory, orthopedic, central nervous system) that contraindicate participation in a low to moderate intensity home-based walking and progressive resistance exercise program, according to the participant's physician (e.g., oncologist, primary care) or physician's designee
* Be identified as in the active or maintenance stage of exercise behavior per the Exercise Stages of Change Question on the Screening Form
* Have planned surgery or radiation treatment during the course of the study (hormonal and biologic therapy is allowed)
* Have contraindications for MRI scanning, per the MRI safety screening procedures of the MRI facility to be utilized for this participant
* Are pregnant of have plans to become pregnant during the course of the study. Documentation of pregnancy and use of contraception can be obtained from the medical record.
* Have a current or prior cancer in the central nervous system (spine, brainstem, brain) as this would interfere with assessments of brain functional connectivity.

Where this trial is running

Fresno, California and 92 other locations

+43 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral NeuropathyHematopoietic and Lymphoid Cell NeoplasmMalignant Solid Neoplasm
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.