Using rosemary oil to help with nerve pain from chemotherapy
Efficacy of External Application of Rosemary Oil in Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy - a Monocentre, Single-arm Non-controlled Feasibility Study to Assess the Feasibility of Evaluating Topical Applications in CIPN
This study is testing if applying rosemary oil to the hands and feet can help cancer patients with nerve pain caused by chemotherapy feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ARCIM Institute Academic Research in Complementary and Integrative Medicine Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Filderstadt, Baden-Württemberg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05855044 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility study investigates the potential effects of applying rosemary oil to the hands and feet of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who experience chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is a common side effect that can lead to pain, sensory loss, and gait disturbances, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The study aims to assess whether it is feasible to conduct a larger clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of rosemary oil in alleviating these symptoms. Participants will be cancer patients who have not yet started neurotoxic chemotherapy and report symptoms of CIPN.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a cancer diagnosis who are about to start neurotoxic chemotherapy and report symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Not a fit: Patients with neurorelevant comorbidities, a history of neuropathic pain, or those currently using neuropathy medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological option to alleviate nerve pain and improve the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of rosemary oil in this context is novel, other studies have explored complementary therapies for CIPN, indicating potential for success in integrative approaches.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Age 18 years or older * Cancer diagnosis * Assignment to neurotoxic chemotherapy that has not yet started at the time of enrolment * Intact, irritation-free skin on the hands and feet * No history of neuropathic pain Exclusion Criteria: * Neurorelevant comorbidities such as diabetes or alcohol abuse * Use of medication for neuropathy such as gabapentin, pregabalin, venlafaxine or duloxetine * Other relevant treatments for CIPN during the study * Insufficient knowledge of the German language * History of rosemary oil allergy
Where this trial is running
Filderstadt, Baden-Württemberg
- Arcim Institute — Filderstadt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jan Vagedes, Dr.
- Email: j.vagedes@arcim-institute.de
- Phone: +49 711 7703
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.