Virtual exercise program to help with chemotherapy-induced nerve symptoms
Official title: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of a Virtual Exercise-based Rehabilitation Intervention for Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (EX-CIPN).
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT07481149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a remote, personalized exercise program (EX-CIPN) can reduce CIPN symptoms and related disability in cancer survivors who have persistent neuropathy after chemotherapy, compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2029 |
| Study ends | July 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07481149 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with any type of cancer who are at least six months post-chemotherapy, have grade 1+ numbness/tingling, neuropathic pain, and can participate in remote exercise via videoconference.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without CIPN symptoms or those unable to engage in a remote exercise program may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase 3 trial compares the EX-CIPN program to usual care in adults with persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Participants are randomized to receive a 10-week remote, individualized exercise program or continue with usual care, with assessments at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and three months later; the EX-CIPN group has an additional assessment at six months. The study aims to determine if the EX-CIPN program reduces CIPN symptom intensity and CIPN-related disability and improves daily functioning. Eligible participants are cancer survivors who are at least six months post-chemotherapy, able to ambulate, English-speaking, and able to use videoconferencing. The trial is conducted at the University Health Network in Toronto, with the EX-CIPN intervention delivered remotely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced CIPN symptoms and better ability to perform daily activities through a remote exercise program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in cancer rehabilitation suggest exercise can help neuropathy symptoms, but this is a dedicated randomized trial focusing on a remote, home-based program for CIPN.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosed with any type of cancer * received chemotherapy treatment as part of curative-intent therapy (no minimum dose) * \>6 months following chemotherapy completion with no current plans for further chemotherapy * report Grade 1 or higher on the numbness and tingling severity item of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v 5.0 * neuropathic pain 3 or higher on the Neuropathic Pain 4 (DN4) (interview) * capable of ambulation and transfers (with or without gait/transfer aid) (ECOG score 0-2) * are able to communicate sufficiently in English to complete intervention, questionnaires, and consent * have access to and able to operate videoconferencing Exclusion Criteria: * currently meeting all recommendations from the physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors * have any neurological conditions influencing cognition (i.e. dementia, Alzheimer's) and preventing safe or appropriate engagement with exercise recommendation * have neuropathy that pre-existed chemotherapy receipt (i.e. diabetic neuropathy) * currently enrolled in other rehabilitation or exercise-based interventions
Where it's running
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ELLICSR: Health Wellness and Cancer Survivorship Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eric Antonen, MSc
- Email: eric.antonen2@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-634-7784
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.
-
Electroacupuncture and Exercise for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
This study tests whether adding a structured exercise program to electroacupuncture helps cancer survivors with CIPN more than electroacupuncture alone.
-
Acupuncture and compression to prevent chemotherapy-induced nerve damage in breast cancer
This trial will test whether wearing compression garments and/or receiving acupuncture during taxane chemotherapy can prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults with early-stage breast cancer.
-
PEA and Scutellaria combined with exercise for chemotherapy-related nerve pain
This trial will see if taking PEA and Scutellaria together with therapeutic exercise helps adults who have nerve pain after chemotherapy.
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Assessing Functional Impairments in CIPN Patients
This study tests how CIPN affects daily function by using functional tests alongside patient self-reports to see how well the tests reflect everyday difficulties.
-
Closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This observational project will try closed-loop spinal cord stimulation to reduce neuropathic pain in adults who developed peripheral neuropathy after 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.