Exercise program to help cancer survivors with nerve pain from chemotherapy

EX-CIPN: An Exercise-based Rehabilitation Intervention to Treat Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Phase 1 Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06405542

This study tests if a 10-week exercise program can help cancer survivors with nerve pain from chemotherapy feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionstrastuzumab, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06405542 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of an exercise-based intervention called EX-CIPN for cancer survivors suffering from persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Participants will engage in a 10-week remote, individualized exercise program, receive health coaching calls, and track their physical activity using a FitBit. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and three months post-intervention to measure the effectiveness of the program in alleviating CIPN symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer survivors who are more than six months post-chemotherapy and experience persistent symptoms of CIPN.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or those with severe neuropathy symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors by reducing the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using exercise interventions for managing CIPN, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Received a diagnosis of any cancer and treated with curative intent (no minimum dose) including Stage 3 \& 4 gynecologic malignancies, treated in the platinum-sensitive setting
* Are \> 6 months post-completion of chemotherapy (ie no other chemotherapeutic agents since completing of the chemotherapy regimen)
* Report \> Grade 1 on the Patient Reported NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 grading scale (numbness and tingling severity item) and neuropathic pain \>3 on the Neuropathic Pain 4 (DN4) (interview) (0-7)
* The presence of peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapy (following onset of chemotherapy), as established via clinical assessment
* May be on maintenance oncologic therapies (ie endocrine therapy, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors) not known to cause neuropathy
* No current plans for chemotherapy in the next 6 months
* Currently engaging in \< 90min per week of planned moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
* Independent with ambulation and transfers with or without ambulatory assistance (EGOG 0-2)
* Able to communicate sufficiently in English to complete intervention, questionnaires, and consent
* Willing to participate in the intervention and attend in-person physical assessments
* Have access to and are able to operate videoconferencing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known neurological conditions influencing cognition and preventing safe or appropriate engagement with self-management and exercise recommendations
* Pre-existing neuropathy prior to the start of chemotherapy
* Are currently enrolled in other cancer rehabilitation or exercise-based programs/interventions.
* Are currently taking ado-trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1) (ex. Kadcyla)

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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.
Conditions Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral NeuropathyCancer RehabilitationPeripheral Neuropathy
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.