Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

Improving Sensorimotor Function in CIPN: A Randomized, Sham Controlled, Double Blinded, Crossover Mechanistic Trial of Transcranial Direct Current to the Sensorimotor Cortex

This clinical trial tests how well a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) works to treat chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. CIPN is numbness, tingling, pain, and movement problems that can develop after chemotherapy as a result of changes to the nerves. A non-invasive form of brain stimulation called tDCS, applied to the area of the brain involved in sensation and movement, can temporarily improve the ability to detect vibration and temperature, as well as balance and walking, which may improve sensation and reduce pain in cancer survivors with CIPN.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 85 years of age
• Diagnosis of cancer, stages I-IV
• Cancer survivor (not currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy)
• Presence of CIPN defined as new, length-dependent numbness, tingling, and/or pain that developed with neurotoxic chemotherapy
• CIPN20 score ≥ 20
• Able to walk unassisted
• Proficient in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known brain metastases
• Known neurological conditions aside from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
• History of brain or spinal surgery
• Neuropathy other than CIPN
• Significant hearing or vision deficits
• Vestibulopathy
• Currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy
• Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), including recent seizures
• Presence of metallic objects in the head
• Presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, cochlear implant, vagus nerve stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, pacemakers, and intracardiac devices)
• Active scalp dermatological conditions