Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most prevalent side-effects of chemotherapy, causing sensory and motor symptoms in patients. CIPN development is especially prevalent in chemotherapy treatment involving platinum- and taxane-based agents. The accompanying pain and deficits greatly impact the quality of life of these patients. Currently, patients are assessed for altered somatosensory using quantitative sensory testing (QST). The German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS) has developed a standardized protocol which has been internationally recognized as approach for performing the QST. However, for proprioception the QST is limited to vibration assessments, making it limited as the only test to measure proprioception. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the proprioceptive functions is needed to better understand the influence CIPN has on the proprioception of patients, and thereby their quality of life.
In this project the effects of chemotherapy on somatosensory and proprioceptive functioning of breast cancer patients will be assessed in a cross-sectional study. This will be tested by comparing two groups of breast cancer patients and a healthy control group. Both patient groups will have undergone surgery for breast cancer, however, only one group will be tested after undergoing additional chemotherapy treatment. Thereby, the effects of chemotherapy between the surgery-only patient group and the chemotherapy patient group can tested. Furthermore, the investigators will compare both patient groups to sex- and age-matched healthy controls.
At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the informed consent form
Voluntary written informed consent of the participant has been obtained prior to any screening procedures
The patient is an adult oncological person between 18 and 75 years old who has been treated for cancer
The participant has undergone breast cancer surgery but has not received any radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment (yet).
Participant has a history of mental or physical disorders or neurological disease beyond those related to cancer treatments.
Participant uses any prescription or non-prescription drugs on a regular basis which, in the investigator's opinion, might confound the results of the study.
Participant is currently participating or has been involved in testing an investigational drug in another clinical study within the last 4 weeks which, in the investigator's opinion, might confound the results of the study.
Participant suffered from peripheral neuropathy prior to the chemotherapeutic treatment (Only for patients).
KU Leuven
Lead sponsor
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Collaborator