Personalized exercise to prevent chemotherapy-related nerve damage
Official title: The Effect of Personalized Exercise Interventions for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Run by Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT06962579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if a tailored exercise program can prevent nerve-related symptoms in adults getting taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy for breast, gynecological, or colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 206 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Antwerpen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Edegem and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06962579 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with a new diagnosis of breast, gynecological, or colon cancer who are chemotherapy‑naïve and scheduled for at least 12 weeks of taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy without distant metastases.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with existing neuropathy, very limited life expectancy, advanced disease, pregnancy, or who cannot safely perform low- to moderate-intensity exercise or read Dutch are unlikely to benefit from this program.
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 compares a patient-tailored exercise program based on oncology physical activity guidelines to usual care for adults starting taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy for breast, gynecological, or colon cancer. The intervention combines home-based walking and progressive resistance exercises individualized to the patient and delivered during the chemotherapy period. The primary outcome is sensory symptoms of chemotherapy‑induced peripheral neuropathy measured by the QLQ-CIPN20 sensory subscale at 12 weeks, with secondary outcomes including motor and autonomic symptoms, objective signs, physical and psychosocial functioning, and chemotherapy relative dose intensity up to 24 weeks. A process evaluation will examine adherence and barriers or facilitators by collecting experiences from patients and healthcare providers to inform future implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce or delay sensory nerve symptoms from chemotherapy, helping patients maintain daily function and complete planned chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Small proof-of-concept and pilot trials have suggested that physical activity may help prevent CIPN, but larger definitive randomized studies are still lacking.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age above 18 years * a primary diagnosis of breast, gynaecological or colon cancer, without distant metastasis * been chemotherapy naïve * been scheduled for at least 12 weeks of taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy without other neurotoxic chemotherapy Exclusion Criteria: * life expectancy of less than six months according to the patient's oncologist or designee * advanced stage of disease * having a known current neuropathy * having cognitive or physical limitations that contraindicate participation in a low- to moderate intensity home-based walking and progressive resistance program (determined by the patient's oncologist) * not able to read and understand Dutch * not able to provide informed consent * not able to participate during the entire study period * pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Antwerp University Hospital
Edegem, Belgium Recruiting -
University Hospital Leuven
Leuven, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr. Lore Dams
- Email: lore.dams@uantwerpen.be
- Phone: +32 3 265 16 59
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Cryotherapy during weekly paclitaxel to reduce chemotherapy-induced numbness and tingling
This study tests whether applying cryotherapy to hands and feet during weekly paclitaxel helps prevent CIPN in women with breast cancer.
-
Electroacupuncture and Exercise for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
This study tests whether adding a structured exercise program to electroacupuncture helps cancer survivors with CIPN more than electroacupuncture alone.
-
Virtual exercise program to help with chemotherapy-induced nerve symptoms
This trial tests whether a remote, personalized exercise program (EX-CIPN) can reduce CIPN symptoms and related disability in cancer survivors who have persistent neuropathy after chemotherapy, compared with usual care.
-
Acupuncture and compression to prevent chemotherapy-induced nerve damage in breast cancer
This trial will test whether wearing compression garments and/or receiving acupuncture during taxane chemotherapy can prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults with early-stage breast cancer.
-
PEA and Scutellaria combined with exercise for chemotherapy-related nerve pain
This trial will see if taking PEA and Scutellaria together with therapeutic exercise helps adults who have nerve pain after chemotherapy.
-
Assessing Functional Impairments in CIPN Patients
This study tests how CIPN affects daily function by using functional tests alongside patient self-reports to see how well the tests reflect everyday difficulties.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.