Hand Therapy Intervention Versus Traditional Occupational Therapy to Prevent Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Pilot Randomized Feasibility Trial Comparing Investigational Hand Therapy Intervention to Traditional Occupational Therapy Intervention to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy of the Hands in Patients Receiving Albumin Bound Paclitaxel + Gemcitabine Containing Combination Chemotherapy

A pilot randomized feasibility trial with a blinded evaluator.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has a dose limiting effect which can greatly affect quality of life and often limits the amount of treatment patients can receive in treating their cancer. In the discipline of hand therapy, there is a science-based body of knowledge with effective protocols to treat neuropathies associated with injury and disease. These interventions have not been explored on patients with CIPN.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas who will receive chemotherapy with albumin bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine containing combination
2. Patients who have no prior evidence of peripheral neuropathy of the hands
3. Age 18 years or older
4. Able to sit for minimum of 30 minutes for hand therapy sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who have received at least one dose of chemotherapy with albumin bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine during the past 6 months
2. Patients taking duloxetine or gabapentin
3. History of peripheral neuropathy of the hands due to chemotherapy, diabetes, or other causes
4. Inability to sit for minimum of 30 minutes
5. Documented cognitive problems limiting ability to participate in hand therapy