Using ultrasound to detect nerve damage from oxaliplatin in cancer patients

A Pilot Study Using Ultrasound for the Detection of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Not applicable Interventional Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT03958747

This study is testing if ultrasound can help find nerve damage caused by oxaliplatin in cancer patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT03958747 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound in identifying oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The study compares the cross-sectional area of tibial motor and sural sensory nerves in affected patients against historical data from healthy adults. Additionally, it explores correlations between ultrasound findings and nerve conduction studies, self-reported neuropathy scales, and skin biopsy results. The trial aims to enhance diagnostic methods for neuropathy related to chemotherapy treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer who are currently or have previously received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and exhibit clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of peripheral neuropathy prior to oxaliplatin treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved detection and management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using ultrasound for nerve assessment, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gastrointestinal cancer
* Colorectal cancer (any stage)
* Previously or currently receiving oxaliplatin -based chemotherapy.
* Clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy noted in medical record and suspected to be secondary to oxaliplatin -based therapy.
* Ability and willingness to understand and sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported or documented history of pre-existing peripheral neuropathy prior to initiation of oxaliplatin chemotherapy.
* Unable to provide history.

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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 Gastrointestinal CancerColorectal Cancer
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.