Non-invasive brain stimulation to help chemotherapy-induced nerve problems in cancer survivors

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to see if stimulating the brain area related to sensation and movement can improve CIPN symptoms in cancer survivors. Participants may also complete surveys and undergo sham stimulation to compare effects. The trial targets adults with CIPN from prior neurotoxic chemotherapy and who can walk unassisted. It excludes people with brain metastases, other neurological conditions, or contraindications to tDCS. The study is sponsored by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and conducted at Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 85 years of age
* Diagnosis of cancer, stages I-IV
* Cancer survivor (not currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy)
* Presence of CIPN defined as new, length-dependent numbness, tingling, and/or pain that developed with neurotoxic chemotherapy
* CIPN20 score ≥ 20
* Able to walk unassisted
* Proficient in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known brain metastases
* Known neurological conditions aside from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
* History of brain or spinal surgery
* Neuropathy other than CIPN
* Significant hearing or vision deficits
* Vestibulopathy
* Currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy
* Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), including recent seizures
* Presence of metallic objects in the head
* Presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, cochlear implant, vagus nerve stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, pacemakers, and intracardiac devices)
* Active scalp dermatological conditions

Where it's running

• University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Brendan L McNeish — University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: Eshaka Eshwar
• Email: eshaka@med.umich.edu
• Phone: 734-232-5901

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Virtual LASO-3 diet program to ease chemotherapy-related numbness and tingling

  This trial tests whether a virtual diet program that lowers added sugar and increases fiber and omega-3s can help cancer survivors who have numbness, tingling, or pain after neurotoxic chemotherapy.

  Recruiting University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT07365007

• See if virtual informed consent methods help people decide to join cancer research

  This trial tests whether virtual human communicators and different consent messages can influence cancer patients’ understanding and willingness to participate in research.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Jacksonville, Florida · NCT07805083

• AI-powered supportive care chatbot for young adult cancer survivors

  A chatbot driven by artificial intelligence is tested to help young adult cancer survivors manage symptoms and care needs after treatment.

  Recruiting University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT07772596

• Telehealth pharmacist-led opioid education for cancer patients

  This pilot tests a telehealth group education session led by a palliative care pharmacist to help adults with cancer use opioids more safely and effectively.

  Recruiting Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · Seattle, Washington · NCT07737314

• Mindfulness program to help with symptoms in chronic graft-versus-host disease

  A mindfulness-based program is being tested to see if it can reduce patient-reported symptoms for adults with chronic graft-versus-host disease after a stem cell transplant.

  Recruiting City of Hope Medical Center · Duarte, California · NCT07733141

• Ambient sensor rooms to spot early problems in hospitalized cancer patients

  This test will try whether special hospital rooms with cameras, microphones, and temperature sensors can help staff spot early delirium, falls, sleep problems, or mood changes in adults hospitalized with cancer.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT07477886

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.