Evaluation of efficacy of controlled cooling of the extremities for prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and conservation of dose intensity: A Dutch, nurse led observational pilot study

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a side effect of many anti-cancer agents leading to dose reduction and impacting quality of life. No effective treatment to cure or prevent CIPN has been established so far. Starting April 2022, TergooiMC included controlled cooling of the extremities (hilotherapy) during chemotherapy with taxanes in standard of care. This study investigates efficacy of controlled cooling to prevent CIPN, conservation of dose intensity, and quality of life.Trial designCancer patients treated with taxanes received controlled cooling with constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius during chemotherapy. EORTC Quality of Life, CIPN20 and QLQ-C30 questionnaires were administered at baseline, after every 3 cycles, after end of treatment and after 6 months. The study included 45 patients. Hundred percent continued the controlled cooling, during all cycles. Planned chemotherapy was administrated for 95% in all patients. Fifteen patients received dose reduction due to CIPN. They received an average of 87% of chemotherapy. One patient ended chemotherapy prematurely due to CIPN. Definitive results and results of CIPN and QoL will be submitted in June.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingTergooi MC Research.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.