Using heat and cold therapy to treat nerve pain from chemotherapy

Effect of Local Heat and Cold Application in the Management of Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi · NCT06889129

This study tests whether using heat or cold therapy can help women with advanced breast cancer who are experiencing nerve pain from chemotherapy feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment114 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexFemale
SponsorBilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06889129 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of heat and cold therapy on patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) due to taxane-based chemotherapy for breast cancer. It aims to alleviate symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the extremities, which can significantly impact patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. Participants will receive either heat or cold applications as a non-pharmacological intervention to assess its effectiveness in managing CIPN symptoms. The study will include women with advanced breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and will take place in Ankara.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged over 18 with stage III-IV breast cancer receiving taxane-based chemotherapy and experiencing symptoms of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Not a fit: Patients with peripheral neuropathy from causes other than chemotherapy or those with a history of nerve damage may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-drug method to alleviate painful neuropathy symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to managing CIPN, the specific use of heat and cold therapy in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women with stage III-IV breast cancer receiving 4-7 cycles of taxane-based chemotherapy,
* Patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy symptoms,
* Residents of Ankara,
* Over 18 years older,
* No history of nerve damage or psychiatric illness,
* No central nervous system metastasis or disease,
* No irritation or ulceration in the skin area where the application will be made,
* No history of deep vein thrombosis,
* Not using anticoagulant medication,
* Able to speak, understand, and read/write in Turkish,
* Patients who consent to participate in the study will be included.

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients with a history of nerve damage or psychiatric illness,
* Ulcers or irritation in the area where the application will be made,
* Patients with peripheral neuropathy developed due to reasons other than chemotherapy,
* Patients who do not consent to participate in the study will be excluded.

Exclusion Criteria During the Study

* Patients whose taxane treatment protocol is changed,
* Patients who have less than four applications per week will be excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Ankara

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, breast cancer, Heat-cold application, Non-pharmacological methods

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.