NOVEL WEARABLE METHODS TO PREVENT CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Abstract

Cryocompression has potential in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Current methods of delivering hypothermia have limited efficacy. The Paxman Limb Cryocompression System (PLCS) was developed for clinical use to prevent CIPN. This clinical trial investigates the safety, tolerability, efficacy and usability of the PLCS in delivering cryocompression. Fifteen breast cancer patients receiving weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy underwent concomitant limb cryocompression for 12 weeks at optimal parameters. Safety, tolerability, cooling efficiency, usability, and development of CIPN after 12 weeks of chemotherapy were evaluated. Fourteen out of 15 patients completed 12 cycles of cryocompression. Cooling was generally well tolerated; 83.8% of cryocompression sessions were maintained at 11°C or below. Two out of 15 patients developed clinically meaningful CIPN. Results suggest the PLCS delivers safe, tolerable and effective cryocompression to prevent CIPN. The PLCS was further developed to improve comfort, usability and cooling efficiency. Further work is ongoing to investigate the use of the PLCS.