Ultrasound Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Ultrasound Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Colon and Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

The primary purpose of the trial is to determine the preliminary efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of pain and sensory disturbance related to chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Thirty cancer patients with colon or colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment including the agent oxaliplatin will take part in the study. Patients will be randomly assigned to either standard care alone (education and therapeutic exercises) or standard care plus 10 treatments of therapeutic ultrasound to the toes and fingers.

Participants in both groups will follow a home exercise program for a 6 week period. Therapeutic ultrasound will be administered daily (e.g., Monday to Friday) over the first two week period of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. adults18 or older,
2. receiving or have received chemotherapy treatment for colon or colorectal cancer,
3. chemotherapy regimen includes the agent oxaliplatin,
4. Grade 1, 2 or 3 on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events for sensory and motor neuropathy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. neuropathy pre-existing the patient's cancer diagnosis;

2. contraindications to therapeutic ultrasound:

   • active cancer in region of hands or feet,
   • presence of deep vein thrombosis,
   • lack of sensation in hands or feet,
   • metal or plastic implants in hands or feet;

3. peripheral vascular disease or other serious existing non-malignant disease which may affect their ability to complete testing and treatment sessions.