Using light therapy to manage nerve pain from chemotherapy
Official title: Evaluating the Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Management of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Jessa Hospital · NCT05763706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if light therapy can help cancer patients feel less nerve pain caused by chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 172 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jessa Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hasselt, Limburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 15, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05763706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have completed specific chemotherapy regimens and have been diagnosed with CIPN.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently taking medications for peripheral neuropathy or those with severe underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. CIPN is a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, characterized by symptoms such as numbness and burning pain in the limbs. The study aims to evaluate whether PBM, which uses low-power laser or LED light to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain, can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from CIPN. The research builds on preliminary findings suggesting PBM may help reduce CIPN severity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients experiencing nerve pain from chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited evidence for CIPN management, preliminary findings suggest that photobiomodulation therapy may be effective, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Finished one of the following types of chemotherapy: paclitaxel, docetaxel, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, vincristine, thalidomide and/or bortezomib. * Diagnosed with CIPN * Age 18 years or above * Have no documented or observable psychiatric or neurological disorders that might interfere with study participation (e.g., dementia or psychosis) * Dutch-speaking * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Taking stable doses of medication on prescription for peripheral neuropathy. Related medications are: gabapentin, pregabalin (Lyrica), nortriptyline, amitriptyline, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine. * Severe or unstable cardio- respiratory or musculoskeletal disease * Interruption of more than two consecutive laser treatments * Dark brown or black skin pigmentation (described as skin type VI in the Fitzpatrick scale)
Where it's running
-
Jessa Hospital
Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeroen mebis, Prof. Dr. — Jessa Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jeroen Mebis, Prof. Dr.
- Email: jeroen.mebis@jessazh.be
- Phone: 011 33 72 21
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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SIR2501 plus Paclitaxel for solid tumors
This Phase 2 study tests SIR2501 in adults with solid tumors who are starting paclitaxel chemotherapy to see if it is safe and tolerable and to explore its effect on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
-
Non-invasive brain stimulation to help chemotherapy-induced nerve problems in cancer survivors
This trial tests whether a gentle brain stimulation method (tDCS) can help reduce numbness, tingling, and pain from CIPN in cancer survivors who are not currently in treatment.
-
Self-applied ear vagus nerve stimulation for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Researchers are testing a small, at-home device that you wear on the ear to see if it eases nerve pain from chemotherapy.
-
Blood extracellular vesicles to detect chemotherapy-related nerve damage.
We will test whether tiny blood particles called extracellular vesicles can predict who will develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults receiving taxane, platinum, or antimitotic chemotherapy.
-
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.
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.