Dr
Lore Dams
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (2) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of neurotoxic cancer treatments, primarily affecting sensory and motor functions in hands and feet. CIPN can interfere with daily activities and cancer treatment. Exercise may represent a promising approach to CIPN prevention; however, it is not currently reflected in international guidelines because evidence remains limited.
Objective: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the effectiveness of a personalized exercise program combining sensorimotor, strength, and aerobic training to prevent CIPN during taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy. A secondary aim is a process evaluation investigating program barriers and facilitators (NCT06962579).
Methods: Patients with breast or colon cancer (n=206) scheduled for taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy are randomized to usual care (control) or exercise (intervention). All participants receive an educational session on physical activity during chemotherapy and an activity tracker for 24 weeks. The intervention group follows a 12-week personalized exercise program: supervised sensorimotor and strength training twice weekly plus home-based aerobic sessions. The program is based on oncology exercise guidelines and the PREFERABLE II LION RCT (NCT06270628).
Results: The first patient was enrolled on June 5th, 2025. CIPN sensory symptoms (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20, primary outcome), motor and autonomic CIPN symptoms, CIPN signs, chemotherapy dose intensity, and physical and psychosocial functioning are assessed at baseline (prior to chemotherapy) and at 12 (primary endpoint) and 24 weeks. The effects of the exercise intervention will be analyzed using a linear mixed model. In addition, qualitative interviews with patients and health care providers will be analyzed using inductive and deductive approaches to identify barriers and facilitators.
Conclusion: This trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for CIPN prevention during chemotherapy and identify factors influencing adherence and implementation. Results may inform evidence-based exercise recommendations and support integration of exercise into supportive cancer care to reduce CIPN burden.
Keywords
chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, exercise, integrative oncology, prevention
| Abstract submitters declaration |
yes
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| Conflict of Interest & Ethical Approval |
yes
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Dr
Lore Dams
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (2) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
Ms
Astrid Torrekens
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
Ms
Jade Mosselmans
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
Prof.
Hans Wildiers
((5) Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium)
Prof.
Sevilay Altintas
((6) Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium)
Prof.
Mira Meeus
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
Prof.
Nele Devoogdt
((4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium (7) Center for Lymphedema, Department of Vascular Surgery and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (8) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium)
Prof.
Koen Peers
((2) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. (9) Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University, Belgium)
Prof.
Kostas Papadimitriou
((6) Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium)
Prof.
Wiebren Tjalma
((6) Multidisciplinary Oncologic Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium)
Dr
Jana Müller
((10) Exercise Oncology Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Prof.
An De Groef
((1) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp Antwerp, Belgium (3) Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium (4) Improving Care for Edema and Oncology Research Group, Belgium)
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