Description

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of treatment with taxanes. The damage to peripheral nerves leads to pain, numbness, and motor dysfunction, which is very distressing for patients and often results in the reduction of the therapeutic dose of taxanes. Preventive measures are limited, but recent studies show that compression of the hands with tight surgical gloves can significantly reduce the incidence of CIPN. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the efficacy of compression therapy in reducing CIPN during taxane-based chemotherapy. The randomized controlled and double-blind study will be conducted at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ) of the University Hospital Zurich from 07/24 to 06/25. Participants will be recruited if they have breast cancer or a urogenital carcinoma and are receiving nab-paclitaxel, paclitaxel, or docetaxel. Exclusion criteria include previous neurotoxic treatment, existing neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or the use of medications that affect polyneuropathy. The intervention group will wear surgical gloves with a compression pressure of 23-32 mmHg (equivalent to compression class II) for 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after the infusion. The control group will wear non-compressing gloves with a pressure of less than 3 mmHg. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of moderate to severe CIPN within four therapy cycles, measured according to NCI-CTCAE criteria. Secondary endpoints include patient-reported symptoms and quality of life, assessed by the FACT/COG-NTX questionnaire. Comfort and adherence to the compression therapy will also be evaluated. Participants will be randomized into two groups of 57 each. Data collection and analysis will be conducted according to standardized procedures, and the data will be securely and confidentially stored and managed.