Personalized exercise to prevent chemotherapy-related nerve damage

The Effect of Personalized Exercise Interventions for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

NA · Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT06962579

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment206 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversiteit Antwerpen (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Edegem and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06962579 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Small proof-of-concept and pilot trials have suggested that physical activity may help prevent CIPN, but larger definitive randomized studies are still lacking.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Edegem and 1 other locations

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 →

Conditions: Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, exercise

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.