Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2354 Dr. Fiona Streckmann et al.
Points
- Conducted in Cologne, Germany, from May 2014 to November 2020, this prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial involved 1605 patients screened for participation, with 158 meeting the inclusion criteria. These patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments with oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids were randomized into three groups: SMT, WBV, and treatment as usual (TAU).
- In addition to their regular chemotherapy treatment, participants in the SMT and WBV groups attended supervised training sessions twice a week, each lasting between 15 to 30 minutes.
- The primary outcome measured was the incidence of CIPN, with secondary outcomes including subjective neuropathy symptoms, balance control, physical activity levels, quality of life, and other clinical outcomes.
- The study found a significant reduction in the incidence of CIPN among participants in the SMT (30.0% incidence) and WBV (41.2% incidence) groups compared to the TAU group (70.6% incidence). This effect was especially notable in patients treated with vinca alkaloids in the SMT group.
- The findings suggest that integrating neuromuscular training such as SMT and WBV into cancer care protocols can reduce the incidence of neuropathy and improve balance, physical strength, and sensory disturbances. This could enhance overall patient quality of life and adherence to oncological treatments.
Summary
In a significant study conducted in Cologne, Germany, researchers investigated the effects of sensorimotor training (SMT) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training on reducing the onset of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial, from May 2014 to November 2020, enrolled patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments with oxaliplatin or vinca alkaloids. Of the 1605 patients initially screened, 158 met the inclusion criteria and were randomized into three groups: SMT, WBV, and treatment as usual (TAU). These participants underwent supervised SMT or WBV sessions twice a week, each lasting 15 to 30 minutes, alongside their regular medical therapy.
The study’s primary outcome was the incidence of CIPN, with secondary outcomes including subjective neuropathy symptoms, balance control, physical activity levels, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. Results indicated a significant reduction in the incidence of CIPN among participants in the SMT and WBV groups compared to the TAU group. Specifically, the SMT group showed a 30.0% incidence rate, the WBV group 41.2%, and the TAU group reported a higher incidence at 70.6%. These results were particularly pronounced in patients receiving vinca alkaloids who participated in the SMT group.
The findings of this study highlight the potential of neuromuscular training as a preventive strategy against CIPN, a common and debilitating side effect of specific chemotherapy agents. The interventions reduced the incidence of neuropathy, improved balance control and physical strength, and reduced sensory disturbances such as pain and burning sensations. These improvements contribute to better tolerability and adherence to oncological treatments, suggesting that integrating neuromuscular training into cancer care protocols could significantly enhance patient quality of life and clinical outcomes.
Link to the article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2820720
References Streckmann, F., Elter, T., Lehmann, H. C., Baurecht, H., Nazarenus, T., Oschwald, V., Koliamitra, C., Otten, S., Draube, A., Heinen, P., Steinmetz, T., Hallek, M., Leitzmann, M., Bloch, W., & Balke, M. (2024). Preventive Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2354
