Understanding and detecting nerve damage from paclitaxel in breast cancer patients

Chemotherapy(paclitaxel)-induced Polyneuropathy in Breast Cancer As Part of the REBECCA Project (REsearch on BrEast Cancer Induced Chronic Conditions Supported by Causal Analysis of Multi-source Data)

Observational Karolinska University Hospital · NCT06052345

This study is testing ways to find early signs of nerve damage in women with early-stage breast cancer who are getting chemotherapy with paclitaxel, while also looking at how their quality of life changes during treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, cyclophosphamide
Locations1 site (Solna, Stockholm County)
Trial IDNCT06052345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study focuses on female patients with early-stage non-metastatic breast cancer who are receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel. It aims to identify risk factors for chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN) and to test neurophysiological methods for its early detection. Participants will undergo a series of evaluations, including nerve conduction studies and sensory tests, before, during, and after treatment, while also monitoring their quality of life and lifestyle changes. The study will utilize a lifestyle monitoring system to track patient outcomes over a year.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer who are set to receive paclitaxel as part of their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of neuropathy or those with conditions that could interfere with the study outcomes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of nerve damage in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar approaches to understanding CIPN, but this specific methodology and focus on lifestyle impacts is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female patients
* Age of ≥ 18 years
* Newly operated primary breast cancer without metastatic disease receiving adjuvant chemotherapy containing paclitaxel
* No prior chemotherapy other than cyclophosphamide and epirubicin
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1
* Written informed consent
* Able to communicate with investigators, participate in testing and comply with the requirements of the study-protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have received drugs suspected/known to cause peripheral neuropathy
* Have history of acquired or inherited neuropathy or other genetic disease with increased tendency to develop neuropathy
* Have known disturbed glucose metabolism, either diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance
* Have moderate to severe kidney, liver, lung or heart disease
* Have known symptomatic or other advanced spinal stenosis
* Have known autoimmune disease that potentially cause or contribute to neuropathy
* Have known HIV or active HBV or HCV infections
* Have known paraneoplastic syndrome
* Have known alcohol abuse
* Have known pregnancy or nursing

Where this trial is running

Solna, Stockholm County

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 Breast NeoplasmsBreast CancerEarly-stage Breast CancerNon-Metastatic Breast CarcinomaPolyneuropathy Due to DrugsPolyneuropathyDrugChemotherapy-induced Peripheral 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.