Yoga for Symptoms of Nerve Damage Caused by Chemotherapy

Yoga for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast and GYN Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Some types of chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer can cause damage to nerves with symptoms like tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain in the hands and feet that can last and can affect functioning. The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of yoga on reducing symptoms caused by such nerve damage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-speaking
• Age >/= 18 years old
• Survivors with a primary diagnosis of stage I-III breast, ovarian uterine, or endometrial cancer
• Moderate to severe chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, defined by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain ratings of 4 or greater on a 0-10 numeric rating scale
• Have completed neurotoxic chemotherapy, i.e. taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel) and platinum (carboplatin) at least 3 months prior to enrollment
• If taking anti-neuropathy medications, they are on a stable regiment (no change in 3 months)
• ECOG performance status 0-2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with metastatic disease
• Participants who are currently receiving physical therapy or practicing yoga for any reason

Control Group - Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• English speaking
• Age >/= 18 years old
• Survivors with a primary diagnosis of Stage I-III breast, ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancer
• CIPN symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain ratings < 2 on a 0-10 NRS scale
• Have completed neurotoxic chemotherapy, i.e. taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel) and platinum (carboplatin) at least 3 months prior to enrollment
• ECOG performance status 0-2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with metastatic disease
• Patients taking anti-neuropathy medication
• Patients who are currently receiving physical therapy or practicing yoga for any reason