Universität zu Köln

Siebert, Stefanie ORCID: 0009-0000-8514-940X, Kersten, Jane ORCID: 0000-0003-1062-9745, Tomanek, Annika ORCID: 0000-0001-6031-7315, Heinz, Sarina, Niels, Timo and Baumann, Freerk T. ORCID: 0000-0002-4450-7351 (2025). Lending a hand: supportive exercise therapy for cancer treatment-induced polyneuropathy of the upper extremity—VISCIPH A. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33 (8). pp. 1-11. Springer Nature. ISSN 0941-4355

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Abstract

[Artikel-Nr.: 712] Purpose: Chemotherapy- and immunotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (PNP) are common and often dose-limiting side effects of cancer treatment. Patients often experience pain, numbness, and tingling in their extremities. Pharmacological options such as duloxetine, which is recommended for chemotherapy-induced PNP (CIPN), offer limited relief [1]. Consequently, neuromuscular training incorporating sensorimotor elements is a promising non-pharmacological alternative. However, its effect on symptoms in the upper extremities remains unexplored. This study investigates the feasibility of combined sensorimotor and vibration training for the upper extremities before and during cancer treatment. Methods: The VISCIPH A study is a two-arm, prospective, randomized controlled proof-of-principle trial. Within the overarching VISCIPH A/B research framework, this is an independently designed sub-study. The primary outcome was feasibility; secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Participants were randomized to either a sensorimotor and vibration training group (PNPEX) or a moderate resistance exercise group (MREX). Both interventions were supervised and performed twice weekly over 12 weeks. Fine motor skills, depth sensitivity, and temperature sensation were assessed pre- and post-intervention. PROMs (EORTC-QLQ-C30, FACT/GOG-Ntx, NRS (pain)) were collected at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. Results: Of 50 enrolled cancer patients, 40 completed the study (32.5% male; mean age = 50.8 years). A total of 874 out of 960 planned sessions (91%) were completed. The dropout rate was 20%, with high patient adherence (98%) and successful implementation of the extensive test battery, exhibit feasibility of the study (proof of principle). Thirteen participants reported no numbness or tingling in the hands, and 18 reported no discomfort over the 12-week period. Both groups showed significant improvements in global health status (EORTC-QLQ-C30) at T3 ( p = 0.001). However, the MREX group showed significant deterioration in depth sensitivity at 2 of 4 bone points after 12 weeks (I CP: p = 0.01; III CP: p = 0.046), whereas PNPEX outcomes remained stable. Conclusion: While prior research has mainly focused on lower extremities, this study demonstrates the feasibility and potential protective effects of a combined vibration and sensorimotor training protocol for the upper limbs during neurotoxic cancer therapy. Given the limited efficacy of current pharmacological approaches, further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of structured exercise interventions in the management of PNP.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Siebert, Stefanie UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8514-940X UNSPECIFIED Kersten, Jane UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1062-9745 UNSPECIFIED Tomanek, Annika UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6031-7315 UNSPECIFIED Heinz, Sarina UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Niels, Timo UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Baumann, Freerk T. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4450-7351 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-809818
Identification Number:	10.1007/s00520-025-09712-2
Journal or Publication Title:	Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume:	33
Number:	8
Page Range:	pp. 1-11
Number of Pages:	11
Date:	22 July 2025
Publisher:	Springer Nature
ISSN:	0941-4355
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Innere Medizin > Klinik I für Innere Medizin - Hämatologie und Onkologie Faculty of Medicine > Weitere > Centrum für integrierte Onkologie (CIO)
Subjects:	Medical sciences Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Prevention ; Neuropathy-induced symptoms ; Sensorimotor and vibration ; Upper extremities ; Feasibility English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80981