Using light therapy to manage nerve pain from chemotherapy
Evaluating the Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Management of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if light therapy can help cancer patients feel less nerve pain caused by chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 172 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Jessa Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hasselt, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05763706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have completed specific chemotherapy regimens and have been diagnosed with CIPN.
Not a fit: Patients currently taking medications for peripheral neuropathy or those with severe underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hasselt, Limburg
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.