Exercise interventions in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and serious side effect resulting from the toxic effects of cytotoxic drugs used in cancer treatment, such as platinum analogues, taxanes, vinca alkaloids and proteasome inhibitors on the peripheral nervous system. In particular, the incidence of platinum analogues causing peripheral neuropathy is 12-96%. Its prevalence increases to 68% after completion of chemotherapy treatment, and neuropathy symptoms persist in approximately one-third of patients within six months after treatment. CIPN often leads to sensory symptoms in patients with the most common being numbness, paresthesia, cold-induced dysesthesia, tingling, muscle cramps and pain. These symptoms, negatively imapct patients' quality of life. There is currently no single proven pharmacological treatment for CIPN. Due to the significant side effects on-pharmacological interventions for managing CIPN have been shown to be effective. Among these interventions, exercise has the strongest evidence.MethodsExercise is known to be the most feasible and safest method for preventing, managing, and restoring physical function in cancer patients with CIPN. In light of this information, this review aims to demonstrate the results of studies involving exercise interventions for managing CIPN, and to examine these studies in the context of the literature.ResultsAs a result, upon reviewing the literature, it is observed that various home-based exercises, including aerobic, strength-balance, sensorimotor, whole-body vibration, walking, resistance, and range of motion (ROM) exercises, are applied for CIPN, each with different durations and intensities. Studies on the effects of exercise on CIPN indicate that exercise has positive effects on CIPN symptoms, enabling patients to engage more effectively in daily activities and thereby improving their quality of life.ConclusionsThe results of the studies indicate that exercise is an effective intervention for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Moreover, it is believed that the development of a standardized exercise regimen would contribute to nursing practices, care for cancer patients with CIPN, and evidence-based research.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingHas not received any funding.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.